U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Area Port of Douglas successfully intercepted an alien smuggling attempt involving a 29-year-old female. A man was arrested in connection with this incident, which took place on January 27, 2025.
The smuggling attempt occurred around 9:20 p.m. when a 56-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a 1997 Dodge Stratus approached for inspection to enter the United States at the Area Port of Douglas. During the primary inspection, CBP officers noticed that the driver seemed unfamiliar with his vehicle. A CBP canine enforcement officer and his narcotics detection/concealed human detection dog were conducting operations when the dog alerted them to the trunk of the vehicle, prompting further investigation.
In secondary inspection, officers found that the trunk appeared unusually elevated. Upon closer examination, they discovered a person hidden inside the spare tire well. The individual was identified as a 29-year-old Mexican citizen without valid entry documents.
Martin Gomez, Area Port Director for Douglas, stated: “In this case, our CBP officers noticed unusual behavior at the time of inspection; the officer’s discretion to further inspect led to the foiled smuggling attempt.” He emphasized their commitment to enforcing U.S. immigration laws and other regulations.
The man involved was arrested for allegedly violating U.S. immigration law, and his vehicle was seized. The woman was detained and processed accordingly.
Federal law permits charging individuals by complaint without inferring guilt until evidence proves otherwise in court.
CBP's Office of Field Operations is responsible for anti-terrorism missions at national ports while facilitating legitimate trade and travel and carrying out border-related duties like narcotics interdiction and protecting agriculture from pests and diseases.
CBP is America's largest law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel working to secure borders on land, air, and sea while ensuring economic prosperity through safe travel and trade practices.
