Willcox BP makes smuggling arrest (Arizona Range News)

Willcox BP makes smuggling arrest

Published: Friday, July 1, 2011 12:45 PM CDT
Carol Broeder/Arizona Range News

On Sunday, Willcox Station Border Patrol agents working at the State Route 90 Checkpoint discovered an illegal immigrant from Mexico hiding in the trunk of a car.

Agents had asked the driver, a 29-year-old female United States citizen, to open the trunk during primary inspect, said spokesman Jason A. Rheinfrank.

When she began to act nervous, she was referred to secondary inspection, leading to the discovery, he said.

The illegal immigrant was taken into custody and will be processed for removal, said Rheinfrank.

The driver was also taken into custody and is being prosecuted for alien smuggling, he said.

The day before, agents assigned to the Willcox Station apprehended a Mexican illegal immigrant who admitted to being a member of the Sureno 13 street gang, Rheinfrank said.

The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) revealed a prior misdemeanor conviction in California.

The subject is being processed for removal, he said.

On Friday, June 24, Willcox agents working the Highway 191 checkpoint encountered a drunk driver after he failed to stop at the primary inspection point, Rheinfrank said.

Agents contacted the state Department of Public Safety, they arrested the driver, a U.S. citizen, who was charged with Driving Under the Influence (D.U.I.) with a suspended license, he said.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments toward establishing a secure and safe border environment and improving the quality of life of affected communities throughout the state of Arizona.

The Border Patrol appreciates the assistance of the community. Report suspicious activity by calling 1 (877) 872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.