Tucson Standard

During the first eight days of March, two incidents involving American drivers and eight smuggled immigrants were reported. One took place at the Brian A. Terry Station, while the other transpired on SR-80.

The initial incident occurred on March 1, involving a 17-year-old U.S. citizen from Phoenix, as per a post on social media platform X from an account belonging to Modlin. He stated: "Brian A. Terry Station agents conducted a vehicle stop on a sedan near Bisbee, AZ and arrested a 17-year-old U.S. citizen out of Phoenix for smuggling three migrants. Tucson Sector agents continue to encounter teens recruited by criminal organizations to smuggle migrants."

The subsequent incident unfolded on SR-80 on March 8 when a border patrol agent from the Brian A. Terry Station assisted the Arizona Department of Public Safety, as per another post from Modlin's account on X. Modlin wrote: "A Brian A. Terry Station agent assisting Arizona Department of Public Safety on SR-80, arrested a U.S. citizen driver and five smuggled Mexican citizens. The driver faces criminal charges, and the migrants were processed for removal proceedings."

Screenshot of John R. Modlin's March 18 post on X | X

According to information available on their webpage about human trafficking and border protection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are tasked with overseeing nearly 7,000 miles of land border and 328 ports of entry. In terms of human trafficking, CBP is implementing multiple strategies including identifying potential victims intending to enter the country; directing these individuals to suitable agencies for legal protection and assistance; and collaborating with law enforcement agencies to identify victims while simultaneously disrupting criminal activities.

The U.S. Border Patrol is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security responsible for preventing terrorists and their weapons from entering the United States. Their mission includes preventing illegal entry of people and contraband into the country. Agents from this agency patrol nearly 6,000 miles of border between Mexico and Canada, and over 2,000 miles of coastal waters stretching from Florida to Puerto Rico. Established in 1924, it operates in 328 ports of entry and protects 7,000 miles of land borders along with 95,000 miles of maritime borders.