CBP Arrests Frequent Traveler for Alleged Smuggling Attempt

Monday, February 25, 2008

San Ysidro, Calif. – A 24-year-old San Diego woman registered to participate in the SENTRI program was arrested Saturday evening by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the San Ysidro port of entry after they found two undocumented male migrants hidden in the vehicle she was driving, officials announced today.

The driver, a United States citizen, entered the port in a 2006 Dodge Ram through a designated SENTRI lane at about 10 p.m. The woman accompanied by her young son, presented U.S. passports and SENTRI cards for the two of them to the primary officer.

During the primary inspection, the CBP officer reached behind the driver’s seat and felt a person. Officers subsequently escorted the driver and vehicle into the secondary inspectional area for case processing.

In the secondary lot, officers discovered two undocumented male migrants hidden behind the seat of the vehicle. Officers confirmed that the undocumented migrants, a 32-year old and a 22-year old, were citizens of Mexico. They were taken into CBP custody for processing.

The 32-year old will be a material witness in the prosecution case.

The driver was arrested and charged with alien smuggling. She was transported to the Metropolitan Correctional Center to await arraignment in federal district court. Her SENTRI privileges have been revoked and the vehicle was seized by CBP. The driver’s minor son was turned over to a family member.