Two Tempe men were arrested on Friday by Willcox Border Patrol agents for attempting to smuggle two Mexican nationals through the State Route 80 Immigration Checkpoint.
The driver of a Kia Forte was referred by agents for a secondary inspection after a Border Patrol canine alerted to an odor it is trained to detect. When agents looked in the vehicle’s backseat and trunk, they discovered two male Mexican nationals, ages 26 and 17.
Agents noticed the juvenile, found in the trunk, was sweating profusely due to a lack of ventilation. Both Mexican nationals were monitored and questioned at the scene to ensure they were in good health.
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.
Every day, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents encounter human smugglers.
A #USBP K9 alerted to an illegal alien hidden behind a diaper box in the trunk of a vehicle in AZ. These type of smuggling attempts are dangerous due to possible carbon monoxide poisoning and the risk of serious injury or death from a collision. https://t.co/qYYoj3BPZG pic.twitter.com/tqhAmg32s0
— CBP (@CBP) November 17, 2018