Teen caught passing guns, knives through border barrier

TUCSON, Ariz. - U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a 16-year-old male attempting to pass knives, firearms, and ammunition into Mexico through the border barrier in Nogales, Arizona, April 4.

Using surveillance technology Nogales Station agents spotted the teen walking toward the barrier with a large duffel bag around 1:45 a.m. Video footage showed the teen trying to force the bag though the border barrier, then running from the area.

Items seized by Border Patrol agents.

Nearby agents quickly responded and arrested the suspect. They also recovered the duffel bag, which contained an AR-style rifle, a pistol, two knives and various ammunition magazines.

The local resident teen was transported to the Nogales Border Patrol Station for further processing. Currently, Homeland Security Investigations is working with the Assistant U.S. Attorney's office to bring appropriate charges while information and evidence from the case is being reviewed.

Follow the Chief of Tucson Sector on the social media platform X at @USBPChiefTCA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection at @CBPArizona for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.