Agents apprehend 17 illegal entrants
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents from Special Operations Detachment apprehended 17 illegal entrants Wednesday night after they fled in a pickup truck.
Agent Jose Garib- ay, of the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office, said that evening surveillance camera operators observed a group of 17 individuals enter the country illegally by crossing the Colorado River near County 17th Street.
Moments later the group was seen climbing into a pickup truck, which immediately left the area.
Agents from Special Operations Detachment responded and attempted to conduct an immigration stop on the pickup, but the driver refused to obey and a brief pursuit ensued. The driver of the pickup eventually stopped on a field road near Avenue G. All 17 illegal entrants and the driver, all Mexican nationals, were taken into custody and transported to the Yuma station.
“The driver tried to flee on foot but was apprehended a short time later,” Garibay said.
Once back at the station, the illegal entrants were processed for immigration violations, while the driver of the pickup was arrested for human smuggling violations.
Citizens 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 may remain anonymous.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 5396854. Find him on Facebook at www. Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert.