By SDCN Editor
Calexico, CA–El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents’ observation of an individual cutting the steel international boundary fence on July 22 led Mexican authorities to a cloned U.S. Border Patrol truck near Mexicali.
The incident occurred around 6:15 a.m. nearly five miles from the Calexico Port of Entry. The observation was relayed to the El Centro Sector Foreign Operations Branch, which notified Mexican authorities. When authorities arrived on the scene, they discovered the cloned truck, along with 17 individuals who Border Patrol suspects would soon have been smuggled across the border.
According to the Border Patrol, transnational criminal organizations profit by going to great lengths to smuggle people and contraband into the United States. Agents say impersonating law enforcement officials is both “reckless and illegal” and is just one example of the smuggling tactics used by these criminal enterprises. Customs and Border Protection law enforcement personnel are aware of this tactic and remain vigilant for this type of illegal activity.
“The men and women of the El Centro Sector Border Patrol thank our partner, Director, Maestro Pedro Ariel Mendivil Garcia, and the Direccion de Seguridad Publica Municipal in Mexicali for their continued support of achieving the common goal of border security,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Daniel Parra.
The 17 individuals located with the truck were detained by Mexican authorities. The vehicle was seized by Mexican authorities and the damage made to the international boundary fence was repaired.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
