El Centro Sector Agents Arrest 34 in Two Separate Smuggling Events

“IMPERIAL – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested two men suspected of smuggling 32 illegal aliens in two separate human smuggling events Monday afternoon.

The first incident occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m., when agents encountered a white Ford Econoline van suspected of being used for alien smuggling near the area of East Ross Road and Cannon Road in El Centro.

Agents approached the vehicle and discovered that the driver, a 26-year-old U. S. Citizen was attempting to smuggle 24 illegal aliens that were being transported inside the van.  Agents safely removed all of the subjects and conducted welfare checks.  The smuggler and all 24 illegal aliens were placed under arrest and transported to the rally point for further processing.

The driver was processed administratively for alien smuggling and the 24 illegal aliens from Mexico, 21 men, 2 women and one juvenile boy were expelled back to their country of origin.

The second incident occurred at 5:45 p.m., when agents conducted a vehicle stop on a white Freightliner tractor-trailer that was potentially being used for human smuggling approximately 5 miles north of Brawley.

During the stop, agents discovered that the driver was a 40-year-old illegal alien from Mexico.  Agents subsequently searched the trailer and found eight illegal aliens that were locked inside of the utility trailer.  Agents safely removed all of the subjects and conducted welfare checks.  The smuggler and all eight illegal aliens were placed under arrest and transported to the rally point for further processing.

The driver was processed administratively for alien smuggling and the eight illegal aliens from Mexico, all men were expelled back to their country of origin.”