Yuma BP Agents arrest 11 involved in human smuggling
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Yuma Sector’s Integrated Targeting Team stopped two vehicles and arrested 11 people connected to a human smuggling attempt Tuesday morning.
ITT agents working west of Felicity, Calif., observed seven suspected illegal immigrants get into two vehicles stopped along Interstate 8. Agents followed both vehicles until the California Highway Patrol stopped one of the vehicles for speeding. Agents on scene arrested the suspects. The driver was identified as a U.S. citizen, and four of the passengers were illegal aliens from Mexico, one was an illegal immigrant from India.
The second vehicle was stopped by agents who observed it dropping off three subjects in a field near Yuma. Agents apprehended the two occupants identified as one U.S. citizen and one legal permanent resident from Mexico. Agents also apprehended the three subjects dropped off in the field, identified as two illegal immigrants from Mexico and one from Honduras.
Agents transported the subjects and vehicles to the Yuma Station for processing in accordance with Yuma Sector guidelines.
The Yuma Sector Border Patrol established Integrated Targeting Teams to enhance U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s “Counter Network Approach.” The ITT conduct synchronized targeting of high-risk transnational and illicit criminal organizations attempting to transport people and contraband illegally through Southwestern Arizona and California.
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.
