Suspected Human Smuggler Observed Dropping Small Children from Border Wall

YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector camera operators observed a group of six illegal aliens, including two small children, traversing over the border wall with assistance, near the San Luis Port of Entry early Monday morning.

The children were dropped from the 18-foot wall, which was observed by a Yuma Sector camera operator.

At least one subject in Mexico was visible helping adult members of the family group over the top of the wall.  The subject then dropped two young children from the top of the wall to waiting family members below.  The subject retreated to Mexico and was not apprehended.

The group of six from Guatemala was a family unit, including three children: a 2-year-old, a 7-year- old, and a 10-year-old.  All surrendered to U.S. Border Patrol agents who arrived on scene.  One child suffered a facial injury, and was treated by agents. All were taken into custody.

The section of the wall where this occurred is part of the 27 miles in Yuma Sector’s area of responsibility that has been selected and funded for replacement.

Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of criminal activity charges without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.