Palominas, Ariz. — U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Brian A. Terry Station arrested two teenagers from New Mexico on March 1 for attempting to smuggle three illegal aliens near Palominas.
Border Patrol surveillance operators initially observed a person dressed in camouflage walking through an area known for smuggling activity. As agents investigated, they stopped a black Dodge Ram pickup for an immigration inspection.
Inside the vehicle, agents found the driver and front passenger, both 17 years old and from New Mexico. Upon further inspection, they discovered three men attempting to hide in the backseat. The men were identified as Mexican nationals illegally present in the U.S.
The teenage driver, a U.S. citizen, was taken into custody and transported to the Brian A. Terry Station, where he faces charges related to human smuggling. The female passenger, also a U.S. citizen, was arrested but will not face prosecution at this time. The pickup truck was seized as part of the investigation.
Border Patrol officials confirmed that the three Mexican nationals had previously been removed from the U.S. and will be processed for reinstatement of their prior removal orders.
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