Port of Douglas CBP Officers Arrest an Ecuadoran National in a Foiled Alien Smuggling Attempt

DOUGLAS, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Area Port of Douglas foiled an alien smuggling attempt by a teenager and arrest a 28-year-old Ecuadoran national.

On February 11, 2025, at approximately 5:12 p.m. a 16-year-old, United States Citizen male approached the primary vehicle lane and presented himself for inspection. The minor was driving a Toyota Tacoma truck accompanied by an adult passenger. The passenger provided an Arizona State Identification card and claimed to be a United States citizen.

The CBP Officer conducted the primary inspection and suspected the passenger was not the true bearer of the Arizona State Identification card. The vehicle and passengers were referred to secondary inspection.

In secondary, the minor stated that the adult male was his friend. Further examination revealed no relation between the two. The Arizona State Identification card presented by the adult passenger was determined to be an original, however it did not correspond to the passenger.

A systems check revealed the adult passenger to be a 28-year-old- Ecuadoran national. The man had an extradition warrant from the state of New York which stemmed from a fatal hit and run.

The minor was placed under arrest the Ecuadoran national was turned over to Douglas Police Department and transported to the Cochise County jail to await extradition.

The CBP Officer’s due diligence, experience and skills impeded the entry of a wanted criminal.

“We remain committed to upholding our nation’s immigration laws and the safety of the American public” said Martin Gomez, Area Port Director for Douglas.

Federal law allows officers to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity 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.

CBP's Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Homeland Security tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.