Associated Press - February 25, 2009 5:35 PM ET

DEMING, N.M. (AP) - Border Patrol agents say a Mexican citizen arrested near Deming was a member of a human smuggling ring.

Agents say Jose Manuel Andrade-Renteria was apprehended Tuesday with six other people five miles south of Interstate 10.

They allege he participated in a human smuggling ring operating in the Deming area.

The group was apprehended after agents noticed footprints leading north from the border and followed them.

The Border Patrol says all seven people are being held in the Luna County jail pending prosecution for human smuggling and illegal entry into the United States.

Agents say Andrade-Renteria had been removed from the United States at least twice previously.

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