Yuma, Arizona - Blythe Station Border Patrol agents arrested the female driver of a Nissan Xterra and her three male passengers Saturday afternoon at an immigration checkpoint on Highway 78 north of Yuma.
Agents referred the woman for a secondary immigration inspection of her three male passengers. During interviews, agents learned the passengers were all Mexican nationals who had entered the U.S. illegally.
In accordance with Yuma Sector guidelines, agents seized the Nissan and arrested the woman for human smuggling; the men for immigration violations.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally transport people and contraband through southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.