CBP U.S. Border Patrol Uncovers Deceptive Human Smuggling Scheme In Southern California

Jacumba, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two male United States citizens in Jacumba on Tuesday for smuggling four undocumented Mexican nationals in a uniquely constructed compartment in the bed of a 1997 black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.

At approximately 2 p.m., agents on patrol stopped the 43-year-old driver and 39-year-old passenger in a pickup truck on Old Highway 80. During questioning, agents became suspicious of the men’s nervous demeanor. A search of the vehicle revealed an opening cut into the metal wall between the passenger compartment and the bed of the truck. Subsequently, agents observed an individual attempting to conceal himself in a modified compartment. The compartment consisted of a hidden cavity built inside hollowed-out wooden construction materials lying in the bed of the truck. Agents discovered four undocumented male Mexican nationals hidden inside the compartment.

The suspected human smugglers and illegal aliens were taken into custody and transported to a local Border Patrol station for processing and further investigation. The two suspected smugglers are being held in Department of Homeland Security custody on alien smuggling charges. The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

To prevent illicit smuggling of humans, drugs and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major corridors of egress away from our nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity related to border security, please call (619) 498-9900.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.