see also: in November 2003:   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Applauds Government of New Zealand For Secure Supply Chain Effort   CBP and ICE Interdict Large Cache of Marijuana   ACE Secure Data Portal to Enhance Border Security and Efficiency   Department of Homeland Security Announces Cargo Security Initiative   CBP Border Patrol Interdicts Narcotics Valued at Over $34 Million   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers in West Texas and New Mexico Seize Numerous Items During Last Week   SENTRI Hours to Expand at San Ysidro and Otay Mesa Ports ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   CBP News Releases

contacts for this news release

Phoenix, Az. - On Tuesday, November 4, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol Agents and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agents, received a request for assistance from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) to assist with traffic control at the scene of an accident on Interstate 10 north of Casa Grande, Az.

While enroute, agents were notified and diverted to assist DPS in a search for four suspects involved in a deadly shooting between rival immigrant smugglers on Interstate 10. The shooting incident left four individuals dead and at least four others injured. The suspects sped away and later abandoned the vehicle along the side of the road. Along with Arizona DPS and the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, CBP Border Patrol Agents began a search for the suspects in the desert. Three CBP Border Patrol Agents and one canine began to track four sets of footprints leading from the gunmen's abandoned vehicle into the desert. Within a half hour, CBP Border Patrol Agents apprehended the four suspects believed to be the gunmen involved shooting incident. Three weapons were recovered from the suspect's vehicle.

ICE is overseeing the smuggling probe relating to the incident and the Pinal County Sheriff's Department is the lead agency in the homicide investigation.