see also: in January 2007 News Releases:   Membership of Trade/Customs Advisory Committee Announced   CBP Border Patrol Launches Massive Search to Preserve Life   CBP Officers Make 22 Drug Busts at Calexico Ports During Busy Week   3,010 Pounds of Marijuana Seized at Nogales Port of Entry   CBP Border Patrol Makes a Record Drug Bust   Registration Underway for Third CBP Conference on ACE   CBP Officers Nab Mother/Daughter Cocaine Smugglers; Juveniles With Marijuana Loads Also Nabbed This Week ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Yuma, Ariz. — A suspected alien smuggler attempted to run down a U.S. Customs and Porder Protection Yuma Sector Border Patrol agent with a vehicle during a vehicle stop by agents Monday night near the Andrade, Calif., port of entry.

The vehicle, one of three stopped by agents working in the area, was stopped near the Quechan parking lot, but when agents approached to talk to the driver, he sped away. The driver drove through a chain link fence knocking down a 100-foot section along with approximately 10 support poles. The driver then sped toward a CBP Border Patrol agent who was on his department-issued mountain bike, but the agent was able to escape without injury.

Two additional vehicles were seized in the area about the same time. The vehicles contained eight people each including the drivers, who were determined to be Mexican nationals who entered the United States illegally. They were transported to the Yuma Border Patrol Station for processing.

This is the latest incident involving violence against Border Patrol agents in the Yuma Sector.

On Jan. 20, aCBP Border Patrol agent was involved in an altercation with an illegal alien Jan 20 during an apprehension attempt of two individuals near the San Luis Port of Entry. One smuggler attacked the agent during the apprehension near the All American Canal. A second individual, also believed to be a smuggler, entered the fray and all three fell into the water. The agent was held under the water by the two until he was able to draw his service issued weapon. No shots were fired, but both individuals were taken into custody.

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.