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  4. Border Patrol Stops Two Smuggling Attempts Near Ajo

Border Patrol Stops Two Smuggling Attempts Near Ajo

Release Date
Mon, 04/29/2019

TUCSON, Ariz. – Ajo Station Border Patrol agents arrested three United States citizens attempting to smuggle eight Mexican nationals in two separate events on the Tohono O’odham nation over the weekend.

On Friday evening, Border Patrol agents stopped a sedan for an immigration inspection on Federal Route 1. During the inspection, the agent saw six individuals inside the vehicle, five of which were wearing camouflage. The five passengers were found to be illegally present in the United States. The driver, a United States citizen, was placed under arrest.

Agents discovered five persons in the backseat of a smuggling vehicle
Agents discovered illegal aliens in the
backseat of a smuggling vehicle

In a second incident on Sunday, Border Patrol agents conducted an immigration inspection during a vehicle stop on an SUV along Federal Route 1. Following a brief investigation, the agents found the driver and a passenger to be United States citizens attempting to smuggle three additional passengers, who were illegally present in the United States. The driver and passengers were placed under arrest.

Agents stopped what would become an alien smuggling vehicle on the Tohono O'odham Reservation
Agents stopped what would become
an alien smuggling vehicle on the
Tohono O'odham Reservation

All eight passengers were processed for immigration violations while the three United States citizens were charged with human smuggling.

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