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Border Patrol Agents Uncover Smuggling Attempt

Release Date
Tue, 11/27/2018

TUCSON, Ariz. – Casa Grande Border Patrol agents arrested an Arizona woman  November 21 at the Federal Route 15 Immigration Checkpoint for attempting to smuggle two Mexican women in a medical transport vehicle.

A Dodge Caravan was referred to secondary inspection by Border Patrol agents who noticed what looked like concealed persons hiding in the van Nov. 21.
A Dodge Caravan was referred to
secondary inspection by Border Patrol
agents who noticed what looked like
concealed persons hiding in the van Nov. 21.

Agents referred a Dodge Caravan for a secondary immigration inspection after observing blankets covering something on the vehicle’s floor. A further search revealed two women from Mexico, illegally present in the country, concealed under blankets.  

The 48 year-old driver was arrested for human smuggling. The two Mexican women were also arrested and charged with immigration violations. Two additional passengers, identified as U.S. citizens, were also arrested but subsequently released.

Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021