Seven Mexican nationals were arrested after Willcox Border Patrol agents disrupted a smuggling attempt on Interstate 10 east of Willcox Sunday evening.
Agents were patrolling rural roads when they encountered a westbound 2003 Chrysler 300 with several persons inside. As agents attempted to conduct an immigration inspection on the occupants when the driver abruptly stopped the vehicle and fled into the desert.
After a short foot chase, agents arrested the suspected smuggler, a 36-year-old Mexican man illegally present in the country, and seized the vehicle. Six male Mexican nationals, ages 24 through 42, were also arrested. Two of the men were concealed in the vehicle’s trunk.
During processing at the Willcox Station, agents learned that five of men were previously charged for immigration violations.
The driver will remain in custody pending a court decision on immigration violations, as well as federal charges for human smuggling.