U.S. Citizen Accused Of Transporting Undocumented People In Fake Delivery Van

CAMPO, CA — Border Patrol agents arrested a U.S. citizen accused of smuggling nine undocumented people in a cloned delivery van in the Campo area of San Diego County, officials said Thursday.

Agents spotted a white van with delivery service logos approaching Tierra Del Sol Road near Highway 96 on Dec. 17, according to the U.S. Border Patrol. The logos and window coverings on the vehicle were "inconsistent with those typically seen on an authentic delivery van," according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Agents stopped and approached the van, and saw nine people lying on the floor and seats in the rear of the vehicle. While interviewing the people, agents determined they did not possess the proper documents to be in the country, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The driver and nine passengers were arrested and taken to a nearby Border Patrol station. The driver was held pending federal prosecution and the cloned van was seized.

"This is a stark reminder of the great lengths smuggling organizations will take to conduct their illicit activity," said Patricia McGurk-Daniel, chief agent for the Border Patrol's San Diego Sector. "San Diego Sector Border Patrol continues to remain vigilant in detecting and dismantling criminal activity in the San Diego area."