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Smuggling Event Thwarted by U.S. Border Patrol

Release Date
Fri, 03/20/2020

DETROIT— Detroit Sector Border Patrol agents arrested four aliens illegally present in the United States during a smuggling event.

Four Brazillian nationals caught in Marysville
Four Brazilian nationals apprehended in Marysville

On March 16, Border Patrol agents assigned to Marysville Station observed a vehicle loitering near the international border in an area where several recent smuggling events have been attempted. A short time later, local law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the same vehicle, and requested assistance from Border Patrol. An agent interviewed the driver and passenger, who admitted to being in the United States illegally, and that they did not have any documents allowing them to be or remain in the United States.

Simultaneously, another Border Patrol agent observed two people walking along the side of a road parallel to the border with Canada. Due to the recent activity and the presence of the suspicious vehicle in the immediate area, the agent suspected that a smuggling event was in progress. During an interview of the individuals, they admitted to having just crossed the border from Canada in a boat. All four subjects were transported to the Border Patrol station for processing.

During processing it was confirmed that all of the subjects were Brazilian nationals, and that none have legal status to be present in the United States. The two individuals who admitted having entered illegally confirmed that they had made arrangements to be picked up by the other two subjects after crossing the border.

“Even with the ongoing pandemic, transnational criminal organizations will continue to operate. The men and women of Detroit Sector remain vigilant, and I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication,” said Chief Patrol Agent Douglas Harrison.

The two subjects who crossed the border have been referred to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for prosecution of 8 USC 1325- Illegal Entry into the U.S., and the other two for 8 USC 1324- Alien Smuggling.

Anyone with information on suspicious activity is asked to call the Detroit Sector Border Patrol BorderWatch telephone number toll-free at 800-537-3220.

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