Border Patrol deploys new device against smugglers
CALEXICO — The deployment of an innovative vehicle immobilization device to stop a suspected smuggling vehicle on Sunday marks its nationwide debut by the Border Patrol.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. Monday, when Calexico station agents assigned to the remote video surveillance system received a citizen’s call reporting suspicious behavior near the Interstate 8 Gordon’s Well exit involving a yellow PT Cruiser, the agency reported.
Agents responded to the area and witnessed a vehicle matching the description driving eastbound on Interstate 8. The vehicle then drove across the median and began to travel westbound, a Border Patrol press release stated.
Agents attempted to perform a vehicle stop but the vehicle allegedly failed to yield. Additional agents responded with a vehicle immobilization device known as a “Grappler,” the agency reported.
After a short pursuit, the Grappler successfully stopped the vehicle without further incident.
Inside the vehicle, agents identified the driver as a male 20-yearold Mexican national and Border Crossing Card holder, and the front passenger as a 17-year-old female U.S. citizen, the Border Patrol reported.
In the back of the vehicle agents discovered four Mexican citizens, all without the proper documentation to enter or remain in the United States.
The driver and passenger will be held in custody pending criminal prosecution. The four Mexican citizens will be held as material witnesses.