TUCSON, Ariz. – Willcox Station Border Patrol agents responded to a request for assistance Wednesday afternoon after an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper found two men and a child in the trunk of a car in Tombstone.
While running records checks on a 34-year-old Arizona man in a Nissan Maxima at a Circle K gas station, the trooper discovered several outstanding warrants and placed the man under arrest. During the encounter, the trooper heard sounds coming from the car’s trunk. When the trooper opened the trunk, he saw two men and a child inside. The trooper then requested assistance from Willcox Border Patrol agents to identify the trio.
Agents identified all three occupants as Mexican nationals who had entered the U.S. illegally. One of the men, age 41, was traveling with his 10-year-old son. After agents determined the three individuals were in good health, they were transported to the Willcox Border Patrol Station to be processed for immigration violations.
The DPS trooper took the driver, identified as a U.S. citizen, into custody for his outstanding warrants.
As temperatures continue to climb, Tucson Sector Border Patrol officials want to remind the public about the dangers of transporting people in car trunks. During warm weather, temperatures can climb to exceed 100 degrees within minutes. There is also a risk of serious injury or death in the event of a collision.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Citizens 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.