Pine Valley, California - Early this morning, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a 31-year-old woman after she attempted to smuggle two foreign nationals through the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 8 near Pine Valley.

At about 3 a.m., agents encountered the woman as she arrived at the checkpoint driving a 2012 Kia Optima sedan.  After agents interviewed the woman, they conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered two male Mexican nationals laying down inside the trunk.  

The agents arrested the men, who were in the U.S. illegally.  The driver was also arrested and is currently facing federal human smuggling charges.

In response to this incident, Patrol Agent in Charge David BeMiller said, “Campo Station agents did an outstanding job detecting this human smuggling case leading to the rescue of two individuals and now the driver faces criminal prosecution.”

From October 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016, Border Patrol agents in San Diego Sector have apprehended 20,782 people.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders.  To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.