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  4. Border Patrol Stops Two Smuggling Attempts of Fleeing Vehicles

Border Patrol Stops Two Smuggling Attempts of Fleeing Vehicles

Release Date
Tue, 04/02/2019

CALEXICO, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested two men in separate smuggling incidents on April 1, 2019.

The first incident occurred at approximately 7:57 p.m., when agents operating the Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) notified agents in the field that several individuals were running north from the border towards Highway 98. This location is around 16 miles east of the Calexico West Port of Entry.

RVSS agents observed the individuals board a vehicle and traveled east on the highway.  Agents responded and attempted to conduct a vehicle stop by activating their emergency lights and sirens.  The driver to failed to yield and continued east at a high rate of speed.

The driver traveled for a couple of miles then made an abrupt U-turn and began to drive back west. Due to the driver's erratic behavior agents deployed a Controlled Tire Deflation Device (CTDD).

The device deflated three tires that forced the vehicle to stop.  Agents approached the vehicle and arrested the driver and five other individuals.

After questioning, the driver stated that he is 16-years-old and a United States citizen. The remaining individuals stated that they were citizens of Mexico illegally present in the United States.

The individuals were transported to the Central Processing Center in El Centro and were processed for illegal entry and order of removal.

The teenaged driver was processed administratively for 8 USC 1324 Alien Smuggling and was turned over to the Child Protective Service of the Imperial County.

The second incident occurred at approximately 8:21 p.m., at the Highway 86 checkpoint near Salton City.  The agent working the primary inspection lane encountered a man driving a Honda Civic.  Agent referred the man to secondary inspection.

The man failed to stop at the secondary inspection area and continued to drive north away from the checkpoint.  Agents pursued the vehicle for approximately 10 minutes and were able to safely stop the vehicle.

Agents approached the vehicle and ordered the driver to step out.  The driver appeared to be under the influence and became non-compliant.  Agents extracted the driver from the vehicle and placed him under arrest.  Agents conducted a search of the vehicle and found a small amount of methamphetamine.

The man, a 21-year-old United States citizen, was turned over to the Border Crime Suppression Team for further investigation.

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