A guy has been detained and charged with human smuggling after 17 illegal migrants were discovered squeezed into an RV and a nearby vehicle in the blistering Arizona heat on Wednesday.
The majority of the illegal migrants, all from Mexico, were discovered jammed inside a tiny RV parked on a property in Nogales as temperatures inside rose under the July sun, according to Sean L. McGoffin, chief patrol agent of Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector.
McGoffin stated that those inside the RV, including a kid, had limited space and ventilation, as well as no access to running water. The remainder of the migrants were crammed into a compact automobile discovered during a vehicle stop.
“This rescue most likely prevented a tragedy,” McGoffin added. “With summer temperatures already rising, cramming people into trailers and trucks without adequate ventilation or water is a prescription for disaster. Human life should never be treated like freight.”
McCoffin claimed that all of the migrants are now safe and in custody, and will be processed accordingly. The rescued individuals are being handled for expedited removal in compliance with US immigration laws.
The arrested man is a US citizen who attempted to flee the area on foot before being apprehended by officials.
Investigators are investigating to discover whether anyone else was involved.
The operation was carried out by Nogales Border Patrol, Nogales Police, and Homeland Security Investigations.
“No recreation happening in this vehicle, instead it was used by smugglers forcing people to hide out in inhumane conditions in sweltering heat,” according to McGoffin.
“Although no one was injured, the situation shows the danger illegal aliens face in the hands of smugglers.”
