U.S. Customs and Border Patrol have arrested three suspected human smugglers and also detained a group of 25 Guatemalans in the Yuma sector on Tuesday, February 21.
Per aCBP press release, the Special Operations Unit, with the help of Yuma Sector's camera operators, located and apprehended the three suspects as they were with six other individuals from Mexico. BP agents also recovered a loaded pistol from the scene.
#YumaSector SOD agents arrest three suspected human smugglers with loaded firearm while other agents were busy with a group of 25 Central Americans. #SouthwestBorder #NationalSecurity: https://t.co/7PADIvbgBI pic.twitter.com/zLQqntfgmY
— CBP Arizona (@CBPArizona) February 21, 2019
After their arrest, it was determined that all nine persons were not legal citizens of the United States, and that one of the three suspects was carrying two loaded magazines in his pocket.
Nearby, other agents were handling the surrender of a group of 25 Guatemalans, which CBP said consisted mostly of family members and juveniles.
CBP had the following statement about the situation:
“Yuma Sector agents continue to be inundated with large numbers of families and juveniles who illegally cross the border and significantly tax our resources,” said Yuma Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony J. Porvaznik. “This armed smuggling attempt took place while many of our agents were distracted from their border security duties and instead dealing with groups of surrendering families.”
