Imperial Valley, California - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Yuma Sector’s Integrated Targeting Team (ITT) and Special Operations Detachment (SOD) interdicted a Ford Explorer and arrested 8 people connected to an alien smuggling attempt Thursday morning.

ITT and SOD agents working west of near the intersection of California Highway 98 and Interstate 8, observed seven suspected illegal aliens get into the Explorer. The Agents made a vehicle stop near the Brocks Research exit heading eastbound on Interstate 8. Agents noticed the individuals were laying in the back of the vehicle while the driver was safely buckled.

Agents transported the subjects and vehicles to the Yuma Station for processing in accordance with Yuma Sector guidelines.

The Yuma Sector Border Patrol established Integrated Targeting Teams to enhance U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s “Counter Network Approach.” The ITT conduct synchronized targeting of high-risk transnational and illicit criminal organizations attempting to transport people and contraband illegally through Southwestern Arizona and California.