Border Patrol saves 17 from life-threatening heat

NOGALES, Ariz. – Seventeen people were saved from dangerously cramped and overheated conditions in Nogales this week after authorities uncovered a smuggling operation last Wednesday.

Several illegal aliens from Mexico, including one minor were found packed inside a recreational vehicle parked on the property, while others were confined into a small sedan that was discovered during a vehicle stop. Temperatures inside the vehicles were rising quickly under the summer sun, and those inside had limited space, ventilation and no access to running water.

One individual attempted to flee on foot but was arrested by agents shortly after. All individuals are now safe, in custody and will be processed accordingly. The driver of the sedan is a United States Citizen, facing human smuggling charges.

“This rescue likely prevented a tragedy,” said Tucson Sector Chief Patrol Agents Sean L. McGoffin. “With summer temperatures already climbing, packing people into trailers and vehicles without proper ventilation or water is a recipe for disaster. Human lives should never be treated as cargo.”

Follow the Chief of Tucson Sector on the social media platform X at @USBPChiefTCA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection at @CBPArizona for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.