Americans face human smuggling charges

A summary of Border Patrol activities in the Tucson Sector since Monday, provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Arrests

Willcox Station agents apprehended two U.S. citizens and four Mexicans after a vehicle stop Tuesday morning. Agents found multiple knives, eight grams of crystal methamphetamine, a sword concealed in a walking cane, and an air pistol designed to look like a Walther P23 handgun. Record checks revealed the American driver is a registered sex offender with an extensive criminal history, including assault on a law enforcement officer. Both U.S. citizens face federal charges for human smuggling. 

Douglas Station agents apprehended a 41-year-old man from Mexico on Tuesday morning after he illegally entered the United States. Record checks revealed he was arrested in Kansas City, Kan., for rape and was convicted of aggravated sexual battery in March of 1992. He was held for prosecution on federal charges for illegal re-entry of an aggravated felon.

Ajo Station agents apprehended a 30-year-old man from Mexico after he illegally entered the United States on Monday west of Lukeville. Record checks revealed the man has affiliations with the 18th Street gang and had a removal in 2009. He was held for prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for illegal re-entry of a felon.

Also on Monday, Ajo Station agents apprehended a 22-year-old Mexican man after he illegally entered the United States. Record checks revealed he was arrested by the Anaheim, Calif., Police Department for having sex with a minor and was convicted in November 2010. He faces federal charges for illegal re-entry of an aggravated felon.

Seizure

While working in the West Desert on Monday, Ajo Station agents came across two Americans in a vehicle. A Border Patrol canine alerted agents to the possibility of drugs in the vehicle. Agents found 39 bundles of marijuana concealed in a hidden compartment. The drugs, weighed almost 75 pounds and worth an estimated $37,340, were transported to the Ajo Station for further processing and were to be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The two occupants were held for prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on federal drug charges.

Rescue and recovery

Ajo Station agents responded to a call from Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue agents relaying a 911 report received at the Pima County Sherriff’s Department about a person in the West Desert. A 21-year-old Mexican national he was lost and wanted to turn himself in. Ajo agents found the man who was held for removal.

Casa Grande Station agents discovered human skeletal remains in the West Desert on Monday. The scene was turned over to the Tohono O’odham Police Department.