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  4. Human Smuggling Attempt in Semi-Tractor Trailer Thwarted at BP Checkpoint

Human Smuggling Attempt in Semi-Tractor Trailer Thwarted at BP Checkpoint

Release Date
Fri, 03/08/2019

TUCSON, Ariz. – Nogales Border Patrol agents arrested an Arizona man driving a semi-tractor and trailer after he attempted to smuggle three illegal aliens through the Interstate 19 immigration checkpoint Thursday night.

In this CBP photo a man is discovered among produce after a failed smuggling attempt at the Interstate 19 Immigration Checkpoint in Arizona
A man is discovered among produce
after a failed smuggling attempt at the
Interstate 19 Immigration Checkpoint
in Arizona

Agents referred the 45-year-old driver for a further inspection after a canine alerted to an odor it is trained to detect emanating from his semi trailer. A search of the trailer, filled with produce from Mexico, led agents to discover three foreign national men, one from Guatemala and two from Mexico, hiding amid the produce.

The semi-truck was seized and all four men arrested. The illegal aliens will be  processed for immigrations violations, while the U.S. citizen man will face federal human smuggling charges.

In an effort to prevent fatalities at the hands of smugglers, Department of Homeland Security has recently launched “Operation Safeguard” to educate the public and the trucking industry on the life-threatening dangers involved in using commercial conveyances to smuggle humans. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.

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