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Border Patrol Stops Smuggling Attempt

Release Date
Mon, 06/07/2021

Smuggler packs pick-up truck with 14 illegal migrants, heads to U.S.

OCOTILLO, Calif. – U.S. Border Patrol agents from El Centro Sector arrested one suspected smuggler who illegally transported 14 undocumented immigrants into the U.S., Friday afternoon.

2002 Gray Escalade SUT
This truck stalled after the driver smuggled
14 undocumented individuals into the U.S.

The vehicle’s path traveled from Mexico avoiding U.S. ports of entry to illegally cross into the U.S.

The incident occurred at about 2 p.m., when Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) operators observed a grey 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT Sport Utility Truck drive north through the U.S./Mexico International Boundary around 22 miles west of the Calexico Port of Entry.

RVSS operators reported that the truck continued to travel north towards Highway 98. Agents responded to the area and observed the truck stuck on the side of the road. Agents approached the truck and observed several individuals outside of the vehicle and two attempted to flee on foot. After a brief search of the area, agents were able to apprehend 15 subjects.

Agents arrested the driver and all 14 undocumented individuals and transported them to the El Centro Sector Processing Center for processing; agents seized the vehicle.

All undocumented individuals will be processed accordingly.

For all news, information, and updates about the U.S. Border Patrol El Centro Sector, follow us on Twitter @USBPChiefELC and Instagram. For additional news releases or other information about U.S. Customs and Border Protection, visit www.cbp.gov.

Last Modified: Jun 07, 2021