FLORENCE — A routine traffic stop along Highway 79 in Florence, Arizona, uncovered an alleged human smuggling operation involving 13 undocumented immigrants, including three juveniles, concealed inside a pickup truck.
Marquise Deone Isomi and Rayla Storm Hunt Gagliardi were charged by criminal complaint on October 24 with transportation of an illegal alien following the October 22 traffic stop.
According to authorities, a Florence police officer pulled over a speeding pickup truck equipped with a camper shell. Isomi was identified as the driver, while Gagliardi was seated in the front passenger seat.
Two juveniles dressed in camouflage clothing were discovered in the rear passenger area of the truck’s cab. Neither was wearing a seatbelt, and both were surrounded by large amounts of clutter.
As officers investigated, a second officer noticed the pickup truck rocking back and forth, suggesting that people were moving around inside the covered truck bed.
The officer shined a flashlight through a narrow opening between the truck’s body and camper shell, revealing several individuals concealed inside. They were dressed in camouflage clothing and wearing shoe covers, apparently in an effort to avoid detection.
Suspecting a human smuggling operation, officers contacted U.S. Border Patrol for assistance.
When Border Patrol agents arrived, they discovered 11 people hiding in the truck bed, including one juvenile. Combined with the two juveniles inside the cab, authorities determined that 13 individuals were being transported in the vehicle.
Border Patrol agents identified the 13 individuals as citizens of Mexico or Guatemala who were unlawfully present in the United States. Two of the three juveniles were determined to be unaccompanied minors.
Investigators also uncovered evidence that Isomi and Gagliardi allegedly used the encrypted messaging application WhatsApp to communicate with human smuggling coordinators and arrange transportation.
According to Border Patrol agents, the investigation further revealed that the pair had allegedly participated in similar human smuggling operations on multiple previous occasions.
Be the first to comment