Smuggling suspect arrested after 13 people discovered in tractor-trailer

SALTON CITY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)-Border Patrol agents working at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint arrested a man suspected of smuggling 13 undocumented immigrants in a tractor-trailer.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says all 13 undocumented immigrants were found hiding under hay bales on the back of the trailer Monday evening.

The man driving a semi-trailer hauling hay bales was sent to secondary inspection after a canine alerted to the rear area of the trailer.

During further inspection, agents found the 13 individuals hiding.

Due to the weight of the hay bales and the way they were positioned they were unable to escape.

No one needed medical aid.

The driver, a 42-year-old undocumented immigrant from Mexico, and the 13 undocumented immigrants, 12 men and 1 woman all from Mexico were arrested.

The driver and all 13 illegal aliens were expelled back to Mexico.