30 undocumented immigrants found in tractor trailer at HWY 86 checkpoint

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents found 30 undocumented immigrants inside a tractor trailer at the Highway 86 checkpoint on Monday evening. Authorities said the immigrants were locked in the trailer from the outside, which made for a very dangerous situation.

A Mexican citizen was driving the tractor trailer when he was stopped for an immigration check at about 9:15 p.m., agents said in a news release. While searching the trailer, agents found 30 Mexican citizens locked inside the vehicle.

“These arrests highlight the importance of our checkpoints. It also speaks to the outstanding and vigilant work that Border Patrol agents do on a daily basis to keep our country safe and protect human life,” said Ryan J. Scudder, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the El Centro Sector.

The driver and the 30 immigrants are being processed for removal from the United States, according to authorities.

There have now been two arrests this month of the same nature; 19 were arrested in the previous incident, agents said.