ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — A routine stop at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on U.S. Highway 70 led to the discovery of a suspected migrant smuggling operation, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials.
The incident occurred around 9:20 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, when a man driving a truck approached the checkpoint just outside of Alamogordo. A Border Patrol K-9 alerted to the vehicle, prompting agents to refer it to secondary inspection.
During further questioning, the male driver — a U.S. citizen — allegedly admitted to having smoked marijuana inside the truck. He also identified his female passenger as a fellow U.S. citizen. However, agents soon determined that the woman was actually a Guatemalan national who had entered the country unlawfully.
Also Read – Kamala Harris to Publish Book Detailing 2024 Presidential Campaign
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a loaded .45-caliber handgun, six magazines, multiple rounds of ammunition, and nine pre-rolled THC joints, according to CBP.
The man is now facing federal charges for conspiracy to smuggle or harbor an undocumented migrant. Officials confirmed that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Mexico has taken up the case.
The woman was transported to El Paso for immigration processing. Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the alleged smuggling activity.
