EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) — An American woman attempted to smuggle into the U.S. a Mexican infant and four other individuals, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.
The 27-year-old U.S. citizen was driving a 2007 GMC Yukon when she arrived from Mexico on May 4 at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas.
CBP said the woman presented birthday certificates for three children, including a 9-month-old boy.
During a secondary inspection, border officers said they determined that the 9-month-old was Mexican and that the birth certificate did not belong to him.
Officers also found four other Mexican nationals hidden in the cargo area of the SUV, including three adults ages 34, 30 and 28, and an 8-year-old child.
Laredo Port Director Albert Flores touted the officers’ inspection experience and training to uncover the attempted smuggling.
“This apprehension illustrates CBP’s resolute commitment to upholding and enforcing U.S. immigration law,” Flores said.
CBP said the officers arrested the driver on suspicion of smuggling and seized the vehicle.