LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints in New Mexico have reopened.

The Border Patrol announced Tuesday that the inland checkpoints that were closed earlier this year are back in operation.

Officials say a decrease in the number of migrants arriving at the border has allowed for agents to return to the posts. The surge in illegal crossings during the last few months had overwhelmed the system, requiring agents to be reassigned.

With the checkpoints open, officials say agents are watching for human smuggling, drug trafficking and any people who may be wanted fugitives.

They say the checkpoints are a secondary layer of defense against criminal activity attempting to make its way into the United States.

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