Tucson Sector Border Patrol arrested a motorist and her passenger suspected of alien smuggling at the Interstate 19 immigration checkpoint near Amado last Thursday.
At around noon, Nogales Station agents operating the Interstate 19 immigration checkpoint encountered the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado and her passengers. Agents conducted an immigration inspection on one of the passengers, a resident alien, when the driver quickly became uncooperative. Border Patrol agents directed the driver to a secondary area for further inspection but she refused to move.
Officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety were called and arrived on scene to assist agents. Agents soon discovered an adult Mexican national hiding inside the cab of the truck, laying on the floor behind the seat.
The driver and one of the passengers were arrested and face smuggling charges. The illegal immigrant and vehicle were processed in accordance with Tucson Sector guidelines.
Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents have discovered 14 individuals from the cab or trunks of vehicles within the past two weeks as temperatures across Arizona continue to rise.
As CBP security efforts improve along the border, criminal organizations attempt to smuggle migrants using alternative methods, including uncooperative or dangerous tactics. CBP continues to be vigilant in stopping these attempts. Immigration checkpoint operations play a vital role in preventing criminals from transporting contraband into the United States by restricting routes of egress from the border region and ultimately creating a safer border environment.
CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.