TUCSON, Ariz. – Willcox Border Patrol agents arrested a 24-year-old Phoenix man Sunday morning after finding two male Mexican nationals in the trunk of his vehicle at the State Route 90 Immigration Checkpoint.
Agents working the primary inspection lane referred the driver of a silver sedan for a secondary inspection after a Border Patrol canine alerted to an odor it is trained to detect. When agents opened the vehicle’s trunk, they discovered two men inside, ages 25 and 29.
The vehicle was seized, and the driver arrested for human smuggling. The Mexican nationals were processed for immigration violations.
A similar incident happened approximately a week prior when Willcox Border Patrol agents arrested two Tempe men for attempting to smuggle two Mexican nationals through the State Route 80 Immigration checkpoint. Agents seized the vehicle and arrested the 27-year-old driver and 30-year-old passenger for human smuggling. The Mexican nationals were processed for immigration violations.
Border Patrol officials warn that riding in the trunk of a car is dangerous due to the possibilities of carbon monoxide poisoning and the risk of serious injury or death from a vehicle collision.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.
