Border Patrol stops semi carrying 17 undocumented immigrants in Whitewater Rest Area

Border Patrol agents stop semi-truck carrying 17 undocumented immigrants near the Whitewater Rest area.

Tuesday evening, border patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector identified a semi-truck that was believed to be carrying undocumented immigrants driving west on Interstate 10.

Agents followed the semi to the Whitewater Road rest area and observed 17 individuals exit the cargo area of the semi-truck and run towards bushes in an attempt to hide. Agents were able to locate all 17 of the individuals and the driver.

Through field interviews, Agents were able to determine that all 17 individuals were illegally present in the United States. All 17 individuals and the driver were arrested.

“This is an example of how the lives of undocumented immigrants can be put at risk by the callousness of those trying to smuggle them across,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim. “Border Patrol Agents who serve and protect our country helped avoid a potential deadly situation. These semi-trucks cannot be opened from the inside and the individuals inside are at the mercy of the criminals who are transporting them.”

The semi-truck was seized and the driver, a Mexican citizen, will be charged with illegal reentry of removed alien after deportation.