Tubac, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents working at an immigration checkpoint discovered two Mexican nationals locked in the trunk of a vehicle.
On Thursday, Dec. 1, an agent working at the I-19 immigration checkpoint north of Tubac, Arizona asked the driver for consent to search the vehicle. The driver agreed, and during the subsequent search agents discovered two Mexican nationals locked inside the trunk.
The driver of the vehicle is a U.S. citizen from Mesa, Arizona who is facing prosecution for smuggling charges. The Mexican nationals will be processed for removal proceedings.
Federal law allows the Border Patrol 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 and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Customs and Border Protection 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.