Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrest cartel smuggling scout

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a cartel smuggling scout last week.

According to a press release, the arrest happened Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in the Sierra Pinta Mountains, located within Yuma County, and was in coordination with Yuma Air Branch of Air and Marine Operations (AMO).

CBP says Yuma Sector Targeting and Intelligence Division were investigating cartel scouting activities responsible for the movement of undocumented migrants "through the Wellton Station area of responsibility."

CBP also says, "Cartel scouts use vantage points to keep track of law enforcement movements," and says with the arrest, this will interrupt the cartel's ability to observe and monitor the movement of Border Patrol and AMO in the area.

"The arrest of this dangerous smuggler is a perfect example of a unified border enforcement team working together to achieve a successful law enforcement outcome," said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle. "These ruthless transnational criminal organizations have no regard for human life, and the dismantling of these cartel networks ensures a secure border that increases the safety of agents and our communities."

While searching the area, CBP says the agents found food supplies, sustainment equipment and a solar panel that indicates an extended scouting mission.

The suspect, according to CBP, was taken to the Wellton Station to be processed, and said he will be "referred to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the State of Arizona for prosecution and for eventual removal proceedings."