SALTON CITY – Border Patrol agents placed two individuals under arrest on Thursday evening after they were caught attempting to smuggle nine undocumented immigrants inside the bed of a tractor-trailer.
At around 8:45 p.m. the white 2007 Freightliner approached the checkpoint located at Highway 86. The driver and passengers were questioned about their immigration status at the checkpoint, as the canine detection team alerted to the rear cargo area of the trailer. As a result of the alert, the tractor-trailer was sent for secondary inspection.
During the Border Patrol agents second inspection they checked the cargo area and located nine undocumented immigrants. The trailer was locked from the outside, making it impossible for them to get out of the trailer without assistance. “This is an example of the blatant disregard for human life and safety to those being smuggled by these smuggling organizations,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “This could have turned into a very bad situation if the vehicle would have gotten in an accident or left unattended for a long period of time.”
The nine undocumented immigrants, the female who was determined to be a U.S. Citizen, and the male driver, a permanent resident were all arrested. The male driver and female passenger were arrested for attempted smuggling of undocumented immigrants. The nine subjects will also be processed accordingly.
