YUMA, Ariz. – Wellton Station Border Patrol agents encountered two juveniles, reported as runaways, attempting to travel through the Interstate 8 Immigration Checkpoint Wednesday.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., agents assigned to the primary inspection lane encountered two females traveling in a bronze 2006 Honda Accord. Agents identified the 16-year-old driver and 17-year-old passenger of the vehicle as runaway juveniles from Gilbert. The parents of the two teens reported the girls missing to the Gilbert Police Department.
U.S. Border Patrol agents contacted the Arizona Department of Public Safety, who responded to the checkpoint and released the two teens to their parents.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of criminal activity charges without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and 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. Individuals 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.