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  4. Border Patrol Arrests Armed Smugglers

Border Patrol Arrests Armed Smugglers

Release Date
Wed, 01/06/2021

NILAND, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested armed smugglers attempting to smuggle two illegal aliens on Monday afternoon.

Pistol
El Centro Border Patrol agents arrested 
armed smugglers Monday.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:15 p.m., when a male driver along with a passenger in a silver BMW approached the Highway 111 checkpoint. During an immigration inspection, agents requested and received consent to inspect the trunk of the vehicle. Upon opening the trunk, agents discovered two male subjects laying down in the trunk. The male subjects in the trunk were determined to be illegal aliens from Mexico.

During their inspection of the vehicle, agents discovered an unregistered .22-caliber firearm along with six rounds. Agents arrested the two smugglers and two illegal aliens for further processing. 

The driver, a 23-year-old Lawfully Admitted Permanent Resident and passenger a 22-year-old United States citizen were arrested for violation of 8 USC 1324 Alien Smuggling. The illegal aliens will be repatriated back to Mexico.    

The El Centro Sector seized the vehicle and unregistered firearm.

The El Centro Sector’s firearm related events are up 250% in fiscal year 2021.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. For all news, information and updates follow us on Twitter and Instagram @USBPChiefELC.

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