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Coyotes arrested for transporting illegals
Jan 25, 2006, 05:46 PM PST

AGUA DULCE - Two coyotes are behind bars accused of transporting 16 illegals in a pickup through Agua Dulce. Authorities pulled over the vehicle Wednesday morning on FM 70, just past SH 44. 6 News was there as border patrol agents arrested the coyotes. In fact, one of them decided to talk with 6 News.

"We had a report, from a concerned citizen that spotted a vehicle that had illegal immigrants in the back of the truck," said Precinct 5 Constable Juan Val Verde.

In all, 16 illegals from Mexico were found crammed into the bed of a pickup. Verde pulled over the vehicle and when he did, the suspected driver bailed.

"He left everybody else to fend for themselves," Verde said. Backup agents quickly caught up to the man, but he denied being the coyote to our cameras.

6 News: "Are you the driver?"
Suspect: "Hell no."
6 News: "Where are you coming from?"
Suspect: "Eagle Pass."
6 News: "How come you had so many people in your vehicle sir?"
Suspect: "That wasn't my vehicle, I'm not the driver."
6 News: "Are you a us citizen?"
Suspect: "It doesn't really matter to these guys."

Border patrol agents are still questioning his identity, but believe the suspected driver is also an illegal who was taking the group to Houston.

"If they make it that far they have an open road, as long as nobody reports them or sees them they're gone," Verde said.

Border Patrol agents said the illegals will be transported back to Mexico. The two coyotes are being charged with alien smuggling.

Online Reporter: Roxanne Carrillo