Eight arrested in failed smuggling attempt

Border Patrol agents arrested a U.S. citizen who tried to smuggle seven undocumented immigrants while traveling through Dome Valley, Ariz. early Wednesday morning.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agents conducted an immigration stop on a white 2010 Ford E350 as it was traveling through Dome Valley. Authorities said that the driver, a 36-year-old American citizen from San Luis, attempted to blend in with local labor traffic. All seven passengers, ranging from ages 14 to 36, were identified as Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States.

“This interdiction highlights our need to maintain a strong enforcement posture in Dome Valley, which is the main bypass route for the 1155 Immigration Checkpoint. The adversary routinely attempts to mimic legitimate traffic in this area, but our vigilant agents are trained to perceive indications of illicit behavior,” said Wellton Station’s Patrol Agent in Charge Kevin Villegas.

The driver was detained for transporting and harboring illegal immigrants. The seven Mexican nationals were processed for illegal violations.