A man has been detained and charged with human smuggling after 17 illegal migrants were discovered crammed inside an RV and a nearby sedan in the sweltering 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 minor, had limited space and ventilation, as well as no access to running water. During a vehicle stop, a small sedan crammed the remaining migrants.
“This rescue likely prevented a tragedy,” McGoffin said. “With summer temperatures already climbing, packing people into trailers and vehicles without proper ventilation or water is a recipe for disaster. Human lives should never be treated as cargo.”
McCoffin claimed that all of the migrants are now safe and in custody and will be processed accordingly. We are handling the rescued individuals for expedited removal in compliance with US immigration laws.
Officials apprehended a US citizen who attempted to flee the area on foot.
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,” McGoffin said.
“Although no one was injured, the situation shows the danger illegal aliens face in the hands of smugglers.”
