Border Patrol agents find 18 undocumented immigrants inside utility truck

U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Brian A. Terry Station in Arizona found 18 undocumented immigrants inside a utility truck Saturday.

The group of immigrants from Guatemala and Mexico – including two children – were discovered by the Coronado National Memorial area, officials said.

Agents noticed a group of suspected illegal aliens walking through the desert and a box truck stopping multiple times along the road, U.S. Customs and Border Protection added.

An agent stopped the truck and approached the driver, a 56-year-old male, and requested to search the truck. The driver agreed and opened the rear door, according to officials.

In the back of the truck were 18 people: three Guatemala nationals, 13 Mexican nationals, and two unaccompanied Mexican national children. Officials said that the truck had no source of light, fresh air ventilation or air conditioning, water, and no ability to get out from the inside, agents said.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of human smuggling and the undocumented immigrants were transported to be processed for immigration violations.

Officials warn with rising temperatures, people hiding in vehicle trunks or trailers are at greater risk from heat injury, physical injury, or death.