U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents assigned to the Tucson Sector recently interdicted a human smuggling attempt at the State Route 86 immigration checkpoint near Three Points, Arizona.
The incident began as agents stopped a Chevrolet Impala sedan with two visible occupants for a routine search. After a brief examination, the agents discovered two Mexican nationals hiding in the vehicle’s trunk.
As a result of the discovery, the driver and occupant of the vehicle will be charged with human smuggling while the two Mexican nationals are being held for immigration violations.
Agents are required to charge individuals by complaint, which allows the filing of charges for alleged criminal activity without inferring guilt. CBP said that individuals are presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
CBP suggested that the public assist them in their border security efforts by reporting suspicious activity directly to the agency. In addition, CBP said all calls would remain anonymous.
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.