US Customs and Border Protection thwarts a smuggling attempt near the Calexico Port of Entry using a cloned BP vehicle. Mexican authorities arrest 17 individuals, highlighting the importance of cross-border cooperation in border security.
"This successful operation is a testament to the effectiveness of our ongoing collaboration with the Direccion de Seguridad Publica Municipal in Mexicali," Daniel Parra, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, said.
In a display of vigilance and cross-border cooperation, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents prevented an attempt to cross the border using a cloned BP vehicle near the Calexico Port of Entry. The incident, which took place on July 22, 2023, at approximately 6:15 a.m., was discovered and reported by El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents.
US Customs and Border Protection Chief Jason Owens, in a recent Twitter post, highlighted the dangers of smuggling attempts. He wrote, "DYK: Smugglers 'clone' vehicles to resemble law enforcement or business ones. El Centro agents stopped a cloned BP vehicle from entering the US after observing a subject trying to breach the border fence w/ a cutting torch. Mexican officials responded and arrested 17 subjects."
According to a recent press release, agents observed an individual attempting to breach the steel international boundary fence, located nearly five miles from the Calexico Port of Entry. This suspicious activity was immediately relayed to the El Centro Sector Foreign Operations Branch, who promptly notified their Mexican counterparts.
Upon arrival at the scene, Mexican authorities discovered the cloned BP vehicle, which was designed to resemble an official law enforcement truck. The vehicle was carrying 17 individuals, whom Border Patrol suspects were likely to be smuggled into the United States.
The cloned truck and the 17 individuals were promptly detained by Mexican authorities, preventing their unauthorized entry into the US. Additionally, the damage made to the international boundary fence was swiftly repaired, ensuring the integrity of the border security infrastructure.
"This successful operation is a testament to the effectiveness of our ongoing collaboration with the Direccion de Seguridad Publica Municipal in Mexicali," Parra, said. "The men and women of the El Centro Sector Border Patrol thank our partner, Director, Maestro Pedro Ariel Mendivil Garcia, and his team for their unwavering support in achieving our common goal of border security."
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