Yuma News Now

Douglas, Arizona - Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Douglas port of entry on Christmas morning arrested a 47-year-old man for attempting to smuggle a child into the United States.

On Christmas day at about 2 p.m., CBP officers were screening passengers and vehicles on the primary lanes when an officer came in contact with a 47-year-old man and a little 7-year-old girl. Due to the demeanor of both the man and the little girl, the CBP officers became suspicious. Further investigation revealed that the man was actually attempting to smuggle the little girl into the United States for monetary gain.

“It is not uncommon for defenseless children to be caught up in child-smuggling schemes; which often puts them in the grasp of strangers and at times they are abandoned,” said Port Director Michael Humphries. “CBP officers can never let there guard down. They are committed and are always on the look-out for the innocent children that have fallen victim to unfortunate circumstances. These voiceless victims rely on the untiring vigilance of the CBP officers to restore law and order back into their life.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.