NEWFIELD, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents in Arizona stopped a human smuggler who was using a cloned Customs and Border Protection (CBP) van, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens said.
The arrest occurred Feb. 15, according to a social media post by Chief Owens. In the announcement, he said, “USBP agents in Newfield, AZ interdicted a human smuggling event involving a cloned Border Patrol vehicle!”
The chief included photos of the cloned law enforcement vehicle, which was a white Chevrolet van with the highly identifiable green “Border Patrol” markings and emergency lights.
“One agent was assaulted during the arrest of the USC driver & 11 undocumented subjects,” he noted.
2/15: USBP agents in Newfield, AZ interdicted a human smuggling event involving a cloned Border Patrol vehicle! One agent was assaulted during the arrest of the USC driver & 11 undocumented subjects. Criminal prosecution for the assault is being pursued. pic.twitter.com/r1UVtfxhYN
— Chief Jason Owens (@USBPChief) February 16, 2024
Chief Owens said federal authorities are pursuing the assault charges in addition to the smuggling violations.