Arizona man who smuggled humans in water tank sentenced to 30 months in prison

PHOENIX — An Arizona resident was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for attempting to smuggle 26 people into the United States in a water tank last year, authorities said.

Sean Hale, 33, of Tucson, was stopped by border patrol agents in June 2021 while he was driving a large water tank that was reportedly carrying immigrants in its tank, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, said in a press release Friday.

When the steel tank was opened, those found inside were sweating and having trouble breathing, while some fainted due to the heat and lack of oxygen, authorities said.

“This case is a stark reminder of how human smuggling organizations endanger and exploit noncitizens looking for a better life in America,” Gary Restaino, U.S. attorney, said in the release.

“We must deter illegal transportation not only to vindicate our border laws, but also to protect the vulnerable among us, regardless of their immigration status.”

Hale previously pleaded guilty to transporting immigrants for profit and placing the life of a person in jeopardy, authorities said.

Investigation of the case was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol.

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