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  4. Border Patrol Arrests Armed Smuggler In Stolen Vehicle

Border Patrol Arrests Armed Smuggler In Stolen Vehicle

Release Date
Mon, 05/11/2020

NILAND, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents working near the Highway 111 immigration checkpoint arrested an armed man suspected of smuggling six illegal aliens in a stolen vehicle this past Friday.

The incident occurred at approximately 9 a.m., when agents noticed a vehicle attempting to circumvent the checkpoint.  Agents conducted a vehicle stop on a 37-year-old man driving a red Volvo SUV.  Agents approached the vehicle and conducted an immigration interview with both the driver and front seat passenger.  The driver stated he was a United States citizen.  The front seat passenger stated he did not have immigration documents allowing him to be in the country legally.  Agents took the driver and front seat passenger into custody.  While agents had conducted their interview, they observed multiple individuals laying on the back seat trying to conceal themselves.  They also saw three individuals in the rear cargo area of the vehicle.  All five hidden individuals were found to be illegal aliens and taken into custody.

Agents proceeded to search the vehicle once all the occupants were removed, and discovered a 9mm handgun hidden underneath the front passenger seat.  The gun was loaded with three rounds in the magazine. 

Agents also discovered that the vehicle had the wrong license plates on it and that it had been reported stolen on April 17.

“Our agents are placed in dangerous situations day in and day out.  None more than stopping an armed man smuggling six illegal aliens in a stolen vehicle,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino.  “Fortunately, on this occasion, our agents were able to make the arrest without incident.” 

The six passengers, five adult males and one juvenile female, all illegal aliens from Mexico, were placed under arrest and transported to the checkpoint for further processing.

The driver, a United States citizen, is being held in federal custody pending further criminal prosecution.   Agents seized both the vehicle and handgun.

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