Yuma Sector agents foil multiple human smuggling attempts

Border Patrol agents assigned to the Yuma Sector’s Border Patrol Special Operations Detachment (SOD) arrested three United States citizens and nine Mexican nationals in two separate events on Monday and Tuesday.

The first incident, according to information provided by the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office, occurred Monday at approximately 6:30 p.m., west of the Buttercup Sand Dunes in Imperial County.

In that incident, five individuals illegally crossed the International Boundary and got into a vehicle driven by a 33-year-old male U.S. citizen. SOD agents stopped the vehicle later and arrested all six individuals.

The driver was charged with human smuggling. The five Mexican nationals, ranging in age from 16 to 27, were charged with illegal entry into the United States.

Then at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, four individuals illegally crossed the United States and Mexico International Boundary again just west of the Buttercup Sand Dunes in Imperial County,

The individuals were seen getting into a vehicle, which was also being driven by a U.S. citizen, who this time was accompanied by a passenger.

ASOD agents arrested the driver and passenger for human smuggling, and the four Mexican nationals for illegal entry into the United States.

Yuma County residents can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.