Yuma BP agents arrest nine in separate human smuggling events
The Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents working near Dome Valley arrested nine individuals including a previously deported felon accused of two separate human smuggling events.
On Sunday, Wellton Station agents observed a white 2005 Toyota Sequoia passing through Dome Valley. Upon seeing the agents, the vehicle sped off. Agents said they located the vehicle abandoned on the side of the road a short distance away with footprints of five individuals leading away from it. Agents said after tracking the individuals they were arrested. The individuals are all undocumented immigrants from Mexico, who were subsequently charged with immigration violations, agents said.
On Tuesday, agents attempted to perform an immigration inspection on the occupants of a white 2004 Ford F-150 traversing through Dome Valley. Agents said the vehicle fled from the agents northbound along Highway 95 before changing direction and heading south.
Agents said the driver pulled to the side of the road and allowed four individuals to exit the vehicle. He then attempted to drive away. Agents were able to arrest the group, who were all undocumented immigrants from Mexico. The driver, a U.S. Citizen, was taken into custody for human smuggling violations after he eventually stopped.
According to agents, during processing, agents identified one of the undocumented immigrants as being previously deported and having a felony conviction for possession of a firearm in Los Angeles, Calif. The individual along with the others were charged with immigration violations.
