Man arrested for allegedly smuggling six undocumented immigrants

A 55-year-old was arrested Tuesday after allegedly attempting to smuggle six undocumented immigrants inside a vehicle.

Gustavo Torres-Soto, city of residence undisclosed, was taken into custody at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday near Main Street and North Imperial Avenue by Border Patrol agents and booked into county jail on suspicion of bringing undocumented immigrants into the United States, county Sheriff’s Office arrest records stated. Torres was held no bond. According to a federal court complaint, Border Patrol agents observed and followed Torres, who was driving a gray Mercedes Sports Utility Vehicle, after he stopped at the intersection of Bonesteele Road and Highway 98, a highly utilized area for undocumented immigrant transport, near Calexico.

While Torres drove toward Seeley from Bonesteele, Border Patrol agents observed the silhouettes of multiple heads in the backseat of the Mercedes.

Torres eventually stopped at a house in Seeley, when he was approached by Border Patrol agents. At that point, Torres is reported to have fled on foot, and after a brief pursuit, he was placed under arrest.

Agents discovered six occupants in the SUV. One subject was discovered in the rear cargo area of the vehicle where seatbelt restraints were unavailable.

The six subjects were all questioned as to their citizenship, and Border Patrol agents later ascertained that they were all Mexican nationals without any documentation allowing them to enter, live or work in the United States legally.

All six subjects were placed under arrest.

In the court complaint, Torres stated he would receive $250 per each undocumented immigrant.

Three of the undocumented immigrants stated they were going to pay between $3,000 and $7,500 to be smuggled into the United States.