TUCSON – A Tucson Sector Border Patrol agent from the Willcox Station conducted a vehicle stop on a sedan traveling north on State Route 80 near Tombstone, resulting in the arrest of a United States citizen and three Mexican nationals.
When the agent stopped a Kia Forte for an immigration inspection north of the immigration checkpoint, he saw three people attempting to conceal themselves on the vehicle’s floorboard and back seat.
During questioning, the agent identified three males as Mexican nationals illegally present in the U.S. The driver, a 54-year-old Tucson woman, was arrested for human smuggling. The men will be processed for immigration violations, in accordance with Tucson Sector guidelines.
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 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.
