Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector discovered 46 people in several train boxcars early on the morning of Jan. 24.
Agents received a tip regarding possible undocumented immigrants hiding in train boxcars located near 8th Street and Cruikshank Drive in El Centro, California. After a brief examination of the suspected train, the agents discovered the individuals hiding within three of the train’s boxcars.
During questioning, the agents discovered that 44 of the migrants – 39 men and five women – came from Mexico with the remaining two individuals being identified as citizens of the United States and the suspected smugglers.
The group was transported to the El Centro Sector Border Patrol station for processing. Both U.S. citizens and one undocumented immigrant will be prosecuted for alien smuggling.
“This is a dangerous smuggling method,” Rodney S. Scott, chief patrol agent of the El Centro Sector, said. “Our Border Patrol agents make safeguarding and preserving human life a top priority. I commend our agents on their professionalism and commitment to duty.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry.