U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Brian A. Terry Station intercepted a multi-vehicle smuggling operation on Friday near Sierra Vista, Arizona. The operation resulted in the arrest of four U.S. citizens and 11 Mexican nationals.
The incident unfolded at Montezuma Pass, a known spot for smuggling activities. Around 12:30 p.m., a blue Honda Accord arrived at the location. The driver, suspected to be the smuggling coordinator, parked and remained at a nearby picnic area.
A few hours later, three additional vehicles—a Chevrolet Avalanche, Nissan Frontier, and Nissan Sentra—appeared at the parking lot. From the surrounding wilderness, several individuals, identified as suspected illegal aliens, emerged and entered these vehicles, which then departed the scene.
Border Patrol agents conducted immigration inspections on the vehicles, resulting in the arrest of 10 Mexican nationals who had entered the United States illegally and four U.S. citizens involved in the smuggling operation. The authorities also seized two firearms and personal-use narcotics.
The driver of the Honda Accord, found to be a Mexican national unlawfully present in the country, was arrested at the site.
The alleged smuggling coordinator is facing charges of Conspiracy to Smuggle Illegal Aliens and Alien Inadmissibility. The illegal entrants are charged with Inadmissibility and/or Reentry offenses. The U.S. citizens face charges related to Alien Smuggling and Conspiracy to Smuggle Illegal Aliens, with one individual facing additional charges for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
All vehicles, along with the firearms and narcotics, were confiscated. Tucson Sector Border Patrol and the U.S. Attorney’s Office intend to pursue all applicable charges.
Updates from the Chief of the Tucson Sector are available on social media platform X at @USBPChiefTCA, and from U.S. Customs and Border Protection at @CBPArizona.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the nation’s largest law enforcement body, is tasked with protecting America across various terrains and ensuring safe and lawful travel and trade. They also focus on enhancing national security through various strategic measures.
