Yuma Sector arrests 16 in human smuggling attempt within 24 hours

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents foiled two human smuggling attempts at separate immigration checkpoints Sunday and Monday, resulting in 16 arrests in less than 24 hours, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

CBP reports early Sunday morning, Blythe station agents referred seven occupants of a white Ford Expedition to secondary inspection for additional questioning. Agents said five of the individuals were Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States.

On Monday morning, Wellton Station agents referred a Dodge ram wagon to secondary inspection for further questioning. Agents said they determined seven of the vehicle’s nine occupants were illegally present in the U.S.

CBP reports both incidents, the U.S. citizen driver and a lawful permanent resident passenger were arrested for human smuggling charges.

All 12 illegal immigrants were arrested for immigration violations.