BLYTHE, CALIF.—On March 4, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Indio station stopped a vehicle being used for human trafficking.
The incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m., when agents received a report from the Border Patrol All-Terrain Vehicle Unit that a vehicle possibly being used in a smuggling attempt was travelling through the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range. Responding agents encountered a gold colored Ford F-150, and through observation and surveillance confirmed the validity of the report. Agents successfully and safely stopped the vehicle by deploying a Controlled Tire Deflation Device near the intersection of Wiley's Well Road and Bradshaw Trail Road. The vehicle pulled to the side of the road and came to a stop, all occupants then fled the vehicle. Agents arrested three Mexican nationals, a male and female both 39-years-old and a 26-year-old female all illegally present in the United States.
The three illegal aliens are in Border Patrol custody pending further investigation. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
The El Centro Sector's Community Awareness Campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness on the indicators of crime and other threats. We encourage public and private sector employees to remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping our country safe. Please report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at (800) 901-2003.