Nogales, Arizona - Nogales Border Patrol agents arrested two U.S. citizens attempting to circumvent the Interstate 19 Immigration Checkpoint with seven Mexican nationals in a stolen pickup truck Tuesday night.
When agents tried to stop a Ford F-250 east of Amado, the truck sped away before stopping near Canoa Road after a short pursuit. Agents arrested the driver and passenger, both male 17 year old U.S. citizens, after discovering two illegal aliens in the rear seat and five more in the truck bed under a tonneau cover.
Both teen smugglers are being processed on smuggling charges while the seven Mexican nationals, ages 17 to 35, are being processed for immigration violations. The Ford F-250, reported stolen from Marana, was turned over to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.