TUCSON – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents made multiple arrests at two immigration checkpoints Wednesday. In both cases, illegal immigrants were being smuggled in locked vehicle trunks.
Sonoita Border Patrol agents arrested a male U.S. citizen, driving a 2004 Kia Rio, after finding four Mexican nationals crammed in the vehicle’s trunk at the Highway 83 immigration checkpoint.
Nogales Border Patrol agents, working with a canine at the immigration checkpoint near Tubac, Arizona, arrested a female U.S. citizen Wednesday after finding two Mexican nationals locked in the trunk of a 2003 Hyundai sedan she was driving.
Both drivers now face human smuggling charges, while the illegal immigrants are being processed in accordance with Tucson Sector guidelines.
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.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP’s mission includes keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona
