K9 unit stops human smuggling attempt
Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents from the Willcox Station arrested a Phoenix couple and two illegal immigrants Thursday evening at the immigration checkpoint located on State Route 80 near Tombstone.
The agent working the primary inspections lane encountered a Hyundai Elantra driven by a woman with a male passenger; both 19-year-olds from Phoenix. The Hyundai was referred to secondary for further inspection where a canine alerted to an odor it is trained to detect.
Upon searching the vehicle, agents discovered two Mexican nationals hiding inside the trunk. The driver and passenger along with both illegal immigrants, ages 22 and 23, were arrested and transported to the Willcox Station.
The illegal immigrants are being processed for immigration violations, while the United States citizens are facing human smuggling charges.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.
