Justin De La Torre, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector, announced the arrest of a U.S. citizen at a Yuma immigration checkpoint for attempting to smuggle three Mexican nationals. All individuals involved were taken into custody. This statement was made on X.
“A U.S. citizen is behind bars for attempting to smuggle three illegal aliens through an immigration checkpoint near Yuma on Friday,” said De La Torre, Border Patrol Chief. “The 38-year-old was arrested and charged with alien smuggling. The Mexican nationals were also arrested and processed for removal from the U.S.”
According to the U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector, the arrested individual now faces prosecution, highlighting that human smuggling suspects are not exclusively foreign nationals.
Human smuggling prosecutions in Arizona have seen a significant increase, reaching over 1,200 cases in 2024—a 16% rise from the previous year. Many defendants in these cases are U.S. citizens, including leaders of smuggling organizations and even minors, as reported by Arizona Public Media.
While recent public reports do not provide specific numbers for arrests at Yuma Sector checkpoints involving Mexican nationals, enforcement summaries from the Department of Justice indicate that the District of Arizona remains a major hub for prosecuting immigration-related offenses. Many of these cases involve Mexican citizens, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
De La Torre has been serving as Chief Patrol Agent of the Yuma Sector since January 2025 and has been with Border Patrol for 25 years. His previous roles include Deputy Chief Patrol Agent in the Tucson Sector and leadership assignments in San Diego, as reported by AZFamily News.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), under the Department of Homeland Security, is responsible for safeguarding national borders and preventing illegal entry. Since its establishment in 1924, CBP has operated across 328 ports of entry, protecting extensive land and maritime borders.
