YUMA, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Wellton Station Interstate 8 Immigration Checkpoint arrested two United States citizens as they attempted to smuggle two Mexican nationals.
At approximately 11:00 a.m., agents referred a 2002 Ford Explorer to the secondary inspection area after a canine alerted to an odor it was trained to detect emitting from the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed two male illegal aliens from Mexico, ages 17 and 19, hidden in the cargo area.
The driver, an 18-year-old female U.S. citizen from Victorville, California, was arrested for bringing in and harboring certain aliens. The 17-year old female U.S. citizen passenger was released to a family member.
The two Mexican nationals were processed for immigration violations and the vehicle was seized.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of criminal activity charges without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally transport people and contraband through Southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers may remain anonymous.