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Tractor-Trailer Human Smuggler Arrested by Border Patrol

Release Date
Wed, 05/27/2020

SALTON CITY, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint arrested a man suspected of smuggling 12 illegal aliens Tuesday afternoon.

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint arrested a man suspected of smuggling 12 illegal aliens Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m., when a man driving a grey 2007 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer approached the checkpoint.  During an immigration check on the driver in primary inspection, a Border Patrol canine detection team alerted to the cargo area of the trailer.  The driver was referred to secondary for further inspection.

During secondary inspection, Border Patrol agents inspected the cargo area of the tractor-trailer and discovered 12 illegal aliens locked inside with no safety restraints and no way to extricate themselves from the inside.  Agents safely removed all of the subjects and conducted welfare checks.

The driver, a 36-year-old illegal alien from Mexico and 12 illegal aliens, which included 10 adult men, and 2 adult women, were placed under arrest.

The driver was processed administratively for alien smuggling and all 12 illegal aliens were expelled back to Mexico.

This incident is the seventh of its kind this year in the Imperial Valley and the second this month.  On the first week of May, El Centro Sector agents discovered 6 smuggled immigrants in a hydraulic dump trailer hauled by a semi-truck.

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