Chinese migrants caught hiding in washing machine and other appliances while trying to cross US border
- Truck driver arrested for human smuggling after agents stop vehicle entering California from Mexico
- Total of 11 Chinese nationals detained pending criminal and immigration proceedings
Eleven Chinese migrants were discovered hiding in furniture and appliances inside a truck stopped by agents as it entered the US from Mexico at a southern California border crossing, federal officials said.
At least one person was crammed inside a washing machine and another was curled up inside a wooden chest, according to photos provided on Monday by US Customs and Border Protection.
Authorities searched the truck on Saturday evening at the border crossing between Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego, the federal agency said.
The truck driver, a 42-year-old US citizen, was arrested on suspicion of human smuggling, a Customs and Border Protection statement said. He was not identified.
The 11 Chinese citizens were detained pending criminal and immigration proceedings, the statement said.