Border Patrol stymies human smuggling attempt, detains suspect, 15 people

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents halted a human smuggling attempt near Calexico on Wednesday.

At 5:29 p.m. Wednesday, Border Patrol agents operating the "Remote Video Surveillance System" monitoring a section of the All American Canal seven miles east of the Calexico West Port of Entry noticed a group of individuals running northbound from the waterway. Shortly after this, a utility truck was seen, and the individuals jumped in the vehicle.

Border Patrol stopped the vehicle and found fourteen individuals "stuffed" inside and laying on top of the metal utility box of the truck, according to the Border Patrol news release. Another man was found in the front seat of the cab of the car, covered by a coat.

Agents detained the fifteen individuals and the driver.

It was determined that 10 of the passengers are Chinese citizens illegally in the U.S., while five are Mexican citizens illegally in the U.S. The driver is a U.S. citizen.

All individuals were transported to the El Centro Border Patrol station for processing.

The driver, whose identity has not been released, is being held in federal custody pending prosecution.