U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two American women attempting to smuggle two unaccompanied minors (ages 10 and 12) from Mexico into the United States. The arrest occurred at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint near Westmorland, California, after agents discovered discrepancies in the driver’s story. Agents confirmed the children had no relation to either woman and were traveling without parental consent.
Smuggling Operation Uncovered During Border Checkpoint Stop
Border Patrol agents at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint near Westmorland, California, stopped a silver SUV carrying two women and two young girls for routine inspection. What initially appeared to be a family traveling together quickly unraveled under scrutiny. The vehicle’s driver initially claimed to be traveling from Arizona to California but later admitted to having crossed into the United States from Mexico through the San Luis Port of Entry, triggering a more thorough investigation by agents.
During secondary inspection, agents discovered concerning inconsistencies in documentation and the driver’s statements. The investigation revealed the children, ages 10 and 12, were unaccompanied Mexican nationals with no familial relationship to either woman. Further questioning confirmed neither woman knew the children’s mother or had legal authority to transport them across international borders, establishing clear evidence of child smuggling.
Border Officials Link Case to Broader Child Trafficking Concerns
U.S. Border Patrol officials have expressed serious concern about what this incident represents in the broader context of child trafficking. Both women now face federal charges under “8 USC 1324 Alien Smuggling,” which carries significant penalties. The women’s identities have not been released publicly, but authorities confirmed both are U.S. citizens, highlighting the involvement of Americans in cross-border smuggling operations targeting vulnerable children.
Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino issued a stark warning about the case and what it represents. He emphasized that children separated from their parents and smuggled across borders face extraordinary danger, including potential exploitation. Bovino noted that while such activities have been occurring for years along the border, there is now increased focus on severely punishing those involved in trafficking minors, signaling a tougher stance from law enforcement against these crimes.
Two US citizens working for the cartels were charged in smuggling children across the border.
"Border patrol believes that these two women, these two American citizens, both of them, tried to smuggle 2 little girls across the border. They were nabbed at a checkpoint in… pic.twitter.com/EBP3YDFw0B
— DeVory Darkins (@devorydarkins) April 14, 2025
Growing Pattern of Child Smuggling Demands Attention
This case represents just one incident in what border officials describe as a growing pattern of child smuggling attempts. The vehicle involved in the smuggling attempt has been seized as evidence while the investigation continues. The two minor girls have been taken into protective custody pending further determination of their status, highlighting the complex challenges faced by authorities when dealing with unaccompanied foreign minors caught in smuggling operations.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the largest law enforcement organization in the country, continues to focus resources on intercepting human smuggling operations, particularly those involving minors. The agency reports that vigilant agents at checkpoints like Highway 86 play a critical role in identifying suspicious travel patterns that may indicate trafficking. This case demonstrates how seemingly routine checkpoint stops can uncover serious criminal activity threatening the welfare of vulnerable children.