Imperial Valley News

Yuma, Arizona - United States Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector encountered Mexican military officials who had crossed into the United States.

About 8 a.m., the Yuma Sector was notified that a military style Hummer appeared to be disabled north of County 14th and the Colorado River. Border Patrol agents and a CBP pilot immediately responded and verified the unauthorized incursion and the status of the vehicle and its occupants. The seven individuals in the vehicle were dressed in military style clothing.

The Border Patrol agents on scene established a dialogue with the subjects, who identified themselves as members of the Mexican military. The Border Patrol agents informed them of their presence within the United States. Upon notification, the subjects were peaceably taken into custody. At no time were any hostilities exchanged between the agents and military officials.

The soldiers were assigned to the 23rd Regiment Motorized Cavalry of the Mexican Army. The seven claimed that they had become disoriented while on patrol on the Mexican portion of the area and had accidentally crossed into the United States.

The soldiers, weapons and vehicle were placed in Border Patrol custody and transported to the CBP San Luis, Arizona port of entry, where each of the subjects was processed in accordance with Border Patrol policy. None of the subjects had any criminal or immigration history.

The soldiers, weapons and vehicle were repatriated to Mexico and remanded into the custody of their commanding officer.

The incident remains under investigation. Customs and Border Protection Office of Internal Affairs was also notified of the incident.