Border Patrol Stops another Tractor-Trailer Human Smuggler

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

The incident occurred at approximately 7 a.m., when a man driving a semi tractor-trailer hauling a hydraulic dump trailer approached the checkpoint. While Border Patrol agents conducted an immigration check on the driver during primary inspection, a Border Patrol canine detection team alerted to the cargo area of the trailer, which was covered with a tarp.  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 six illegal aliens concealed under the tarp.  Agents safely removed all of the subjects and conducted welfare checks.

The driver, a 46-year-old United States citizen and six illegal aliens, which included five adult men, and one adult woman, were placed under arrest.

The driver was processed administratively for 8 USC 1324, Alien Smuggling. All six illegal aliens were repatriated back to Mexico.

“The men and women of the Border Patrol will continue to do a great job combating human smuggling. These high temperatures place people attempting to enter illegally into the United States in great danger, and these smugglers will continue to use dangerous tactics with no remorse,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino. “Agents will remain vigilant and continue to target these dangerous human smuggling attempts.”

This incident is the sixth of its kind this year in the Imperial Valley.  In April, El Centro Sector agents discovered 21 smuggled immigrants dangerously packed inside of a utility trailer.  Additionally, four similar smuggling events occurred in January, February and March of this year.