TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents from the Sonoita Station arrested a 29-year-old female for smuggling illegal aliens near the State Route 83 Immigration Checkpoint Tuesday night.
Agents patrolling south of the SR83 Immigration Checkpoint followed a grey Nissan Sentra witnessing the driver pull over and multiple people exit the vehicle and run into the desert. Agents activated their emergency lights and detained the driver, while other agents tracked the fleeing suspects.
One man fell approximately 12 feet after exiting the Sentra and injured his leg. An agent trained as an Emergency Medical Technician assessed the injured man and requested additional emergency medical services. The Sonoita-Elgin Fire Department responded and prepared the man for a life flight transport to a Tucson area hospital for medical care.
Agents seized the Nissan and arrested the 29-year-old female for smuggling. The other two men, found hiding nearby, were arrested. All three illegal aliens were Mexican nationals and will be processed for immigration violations. The injured man will first receive proper medical care.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.