2 New Mexico teens arrested in Arizona for allegedly smuggling migrants

PHOENIX — Two New Mexico teens were arrested in southern Arizona for allegedly smuggling three undocumented migrants inside a pickup truck, authorities said.

The identities of the suspects, who are both 17 years old, were not released, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

How were New Mexico teens caught smuggling migrants in Arizona?

On March 1, Border Patrol agents spotted someone wearing camouflage near the U.S.-Mexico border in Palominas, Arizona, which is a hotspot for smugglers to travel through, according to authorities.

As the agents scanned the area, they found and pulled over a black Dodge Ram truck driven by a teen boy. A teen girl sat in the front passenger seat.

Three undocumented Mexican nationals were hidden in the back seat of the truck. The men were previously deported from the U.S., according to authorities.

Border Patrol agents seized the truck took the teens into custody at the Brian A. Terry Station in Bisbee.

The three undocumented men were arrested and are facing deportation. They will also serve as witnesses against the teen driver, who is facing human smuggling charges, according to authorities.

The teen girl will not face charges at this time, according to authorities.

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