CBP Border Patrol Locates Second Stash House

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Tucson, Ariz. - Yesterday (January 15th), Border Patrol agents assigned to the Tucson Sector apprehended 44 illegal aliens who were hiding in a residence in Santa Cruz County.

At approximately 2 p.m., agents assigned to the Nogales Border Patrol Station were conducting routine Border Patrol duties in the Tumacacori/Carmen area. Reports of suspicious activity led agents to a location on West Frontage Road. Based upon probable cause, agents searched the residence, where inside they discovered a total of 44 illegal aliens. The agents also found a vehicle associated with the transportation of these illegal aliens and subsequently seized it.

All the aliens were determined to be Mexican citizens illegally present in the United States. One of the illegal aliens was held for prosecution of 8 USC 1324 (alien smuggling). This charge carries as much as five years in federal prison for each smuggled alien.

The remaining aliens have been processed and voluntarily returned to Mexico.

This is the second stash house located in Santa Cruz County in the past week. On January 8th, 27 illegal aliens were arrested in a Rio Rico residence. In that case, 3 principals were identified and 5 vehicles were seized. To report suspicious activity anywhere within Tucson Sector, please call us toll free at 1-877 USBP HELP.