Douglas, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers apprehended an illegal immigrant who was attempting to leave the U.S. undetected. Through further investigation CBP officers learned the man was an illegal immigrant who had been working in the U.S. as a "Mule", a term that is used for anyone who carries marijuana bundles on their backs in an attempt to smuggle marijuana or any other contraband into the United States. The man was determined to be a felon with an extensive criminal record.
On Oct. 12, at approximately 10:30 p.m., CBP officers were screening travelers in the outbound lane that directs traffic from the U.S. into Mexico. The officers noticed the man who was suspiciously walking south toward Mexico in the pedestrian lane and stopped him for further interview. The man avoided the officers and attempted to run south into Mexico. The CBP officers were able to apprehend and secure the man. The man was identified as a 42-year-old Mexican national and who had been present in the U.S. illegally. Further investigation by the CBP officers revealed the man had been working in the U.S. as a "Mule." CBP Officers also discovered the man had a previous felony arrests for Battery with Serious Bodily Injury, Carrying a Concealed Weapon in a Vehicle, Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public, Transport/Selling of Contraband, Possession of Rock Cocaine for sale, Robbery in the First Degree, Infliction of Corporal Injury to a Spouse and more.
The man was taken into custody by CBP officers and was transported to the Florence Detention Facility while waiting an appearance before a Federal Magistrate.
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
The Office of Field Operations is responsible for securing our borders at the ports of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers' primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.
While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.