Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents have arrested three U.S. citizens, including a registered sex offender, who were attempting to smuggle three women near Sells, Arizona. The incident occurred on March 23, 2025, when officers from the Tohono O’odham Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a GMC Yukon and uncovered a human smuggling operation. They requested assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol.
Upon arrival, agents found that three of the six occupants in the SUV were women suspected of being illegally present in the United States. An inspection revealed that these women were from Uzbekistan, Guatemala, and Mexico. The other occupants included two women and one man who are local U.S. citizens. The SUV was seized and all individuals involved were arrested.
Records checks revealed that the male suspect had been convicted of sexual offenses against a minor in 2023. One of the female smugglers also had previous criminal convictions for human smuggling in 2023 and conspiracy to commit monetary instruments laundering in 2022.
The three smugglers are now facing prosecution in federal court and will remain in custody until their case is determined. Meanwhile, the women suspected of being illegally present will serve as material witnesses before being placed into removal proceedings.
For updates on this case and other related news, follow Tucson Sector Chief on X at @USBPChiefTCA or U.S. Customs and Border Protection at @CBPArizona.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) describes itself as America's frontline: "the nation's largest law enforcement organization" tasked with protecting America across land, air, and sea while facilitating safe travel and trade to ensure economic prosperity.
