Cochise County Crackdown: Two Teens Caught Smuggling Three Illegal Immigrants

By Matthew Holloway |

Two teenagers from New Mexico were apprehended on March 1 near Palominas, Arizona, for allegedly transporting three undocumented Mexican nationals. The incident unfolded as agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) patrolled a known smuggling area.

During their routine patrol, CBP agents noticed a person clad in camouflage and initiated an investigation. Their attention soon shifted to a black Dodge Ram pickup truck, prompting a traffic stop for an immigration inspection.

Inside the vehicle, the agents found a 17-year-old male driver and a 17-year-old female passenger in the front seat, while three older men were discovered trying to hide in the backseat. These men were later identified as Mexican nationals who had entered the U.S. unlawfully. Both teenagers were confirmed as U.S. citizens.

Following the discovery, the driver and his female companion were arrested and taken to the Brian A. Terry Border Patrol Station. The pickup truck was also seized. The driver now faces serious charges of human trafficking, which could result in a prison sentence ranging from one to ten years. The female passenger is not expected to face charges at this time.

According to a press release from CBP, the three undocumented individuals had previously been removed from the United States and now face the reinstatement of their prior removal orders. They will also act as material witnesses in the case against the driver.

Chief Patrol Agent John R. Modlin of the Tucson Sector shared the arrest details on social media. He highlighted that the 17-year-old smuggler is now dealing with felony charges related to transporting individuals unlawfully present in the U.S.

Throughout the ongoing challenges of illegal immigration, monitoring and enforcement efforts by agencies like CBP remain critical in curbing these activities.