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  4. Yuma Sector Agents Discover Eight Illegal Aliens Concealed in Boat Being Towed by SUV

Yuma Sector Agents Discover Eight Illegal Aliens Concealed in Boat Being Towed by SUV

Release Date
Mon, 09/14/2020

YUMA, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents working the Highway 78 immigration checkpoint on Friday encountered a United States citizen transporting eight illegal aliens concealed in a boat he was towing.

Agents discovered 8 illegal aliens hiding beneath a boat tarp that was being towed by an SUV
Agents discovered 8 illegal aliens hiding
beneath a boat tarp that was being towed by
an SUV

At approximately 10:30 p.m., Border Patrol Agents working the checkpoint near Palo Verde, California, encountered a 1999 Ford Expedition towing a fishing boat. A Border Patrol canine alerted to the vehicle and agents referred the vehicle to the secondary inspection area. During their investigation, agents discovered eight illegal aliens hiding under the boat’s cover. The aliens, whose ages ranged from 18 to 40, were all nationals of Mexico, one of which had been previously removed four times.

The male driver of the vehicle, a 33-year-old US citizen, was booked on smuggling charges. The vehicle, boat, and trailer were seized and the aliens were processed per Yuma Sector guidelines.

Human smugglers are part of a sophisticated criminal enterprise that cares only about the profit to be gained from smuggling illegal aliens. Smugglers view them as nothing more than freight. In this case by transporting people in a fishing boat not designed to safely transport people while being towed. There are no proper restraints, and occupants can be injured or killed during an accident.

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: Mar 15, 2024