Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrested two U.S. citizens during a traffic stop for alleged human smuggling. The agents reportedly found a handgun, ammunition, and drugs in addition to five Mexican migrants illegally present in the U.S.
Agents assigned to the Blythe Station conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Explorer at about 6:25 p.m. Tuesday evening. The agents found seven people packed into the SUV. During an immigration interview, the agents confirmed the driver and front seat passenger were U.S. citizens. They learned the remaining five passengers were Mexican nationals who had no legal authorization to be present in the U.S., according to information obtained from Yuma Sector Border Patrol officials.
The agents determined the two U.S. citizens appeared to be engaging in human smuggling.
A search of the vehicle also uncovered a .40 caliber handgun and extra ammunition. Along with the gun, the agents found methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. The agents checked the vehicle registration and learned the vehicle had been reported stolen in San Francisco, California.
The agents placed the two U.S. citizens under arrest for alleged human smuggling and the five Mexican nationals for immigration violations. They seized the firearm, ammunition, and drugs.
While transported the suspects to the station, the U.S. citizen passenger became unresponsive. The agents immediately transported him to a nearby hospital. The staff quickly administered Narcan. They told the agents they believed the suspect suffered a stroke caused by the use of methamphetamine. Doctors arranged a helicopter to fly the suspected human smuggler to a regional hospital.
Officials reported that the driver of the alleged human smuggling operation has an extensive criminal history. The 31-year-old man from Fontana, California, has a history that includes convictions for possession of burglary tools, under the influence of a controlled substance, obstructing a public officer, second degree burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, multiple convictions for taking a vehicle without owner’s consent, and multiple convictions for possession of a controlled substance.
The five illegal immigrants from Mexico were processed for immigration violations, officials reported.
Bob Price serves as associate editor and senior political news contributor for the Breitbart Border team. He is an original member of the Breitbart Texas team. Follow him on Twitter @BobPriceBBTX and Face
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