Border Patrol arrest driver attempting to smuggle 9 immigrants in tractor-trailer

Border Patrol agents working at El Centro Sector arrested a driver attempting to smuggle nine undocumented immigrants locked in the bed of their tractor-trailer on Thursday, October 25.

Agents questioned the driver of a white 2010 Volvo Tractor Trailer at approximately 9:15 p.m. and referred the vehicle to secondary inspection when a canine alerted to the rear cargo area of the trailer.

CBP said agents then discovered nine undocumented immigrants inside the bed of the trailer who were unsecured with no means of safety.

The interior doors of the trailer could not be open from the inside, meaning the immigrants could not exit the trailer without assistance, according to CBP.

Agents safely removed all nine immigrants from the trailer.

CBP said the driver and the immigrants were placed under arrest. The driver will also be prosecuted for 8 USC 1324 alien smuggling.