Yuma Sector stops four human smuggling attempts over the weekend

12 migrants were found in four different vehicle stops

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Border Patrol agents arrested three men and placed two others in Child Protective Services after smuggling migrants over the weekend.

U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) said agents stopped a Chevrolet Suburban traveling eastbound on Interstate 8 near Dateland. They say the 36-year-old California driver smuggled six migrants in the backseat and the rear cargo area.

A couple of hours later, they pulled over a Mitsubishi Outlander rental car just east of Wellton. They say the 27-year-old California driver was smuggling two migrants.

Last Sunday, agents pulled the third vehicle over, a Ford Fusion traveling near Dateland. Two 16-year-olds from California were smuggling a migrant. The migrant was found wearing booties on his feet. Agents say they often wear carpet booties over their shoes to prevent leaving their shoe prints in the sand.

On Monday, agents fulled a fourth vehicle, a Ford Explorer in Blythe. They say the 19-year-old California driver was smuggling three migrants.

Agents arrested all men accused of human smuggling except the two juveniles. They were turned over to Child Protective Services.