Arizona Smuggling Bust Reveals Child Trafficking Along I-10 [WATCH]

Body camera footage released from a Pinal County Sheriff’s Office deputy shows the questioning of a child smuggling suspect and the rescue of an 8-year-old boy during a traffic stop and subsequent investigation in Arizona, according to authorities.

The incident unfolded along Interstate 10, a corridor investigators say is frequently used for child trafficking.

Authorities said the suspect was paid $500 to transport the boy from Mexico to an unknown location within the United States.

Investigators stated that the case began at the border and ultimately concluded at a motel in Eloy, Arizona, where deputies located the child. Law enforcement officials have not released the suspect’s name, but confirmed that she is facing federal charges.

Investigators also said the suspect has a history of similar offenses.

Pinal County Deputy Greg Sanders, whose body camera captured portions of the investigation, spoke about the emotional impact of the case. Sanders said the experience stayed with him well beyond the end of his shift.

“I have an 8-year-old daughter – one of the things on my drive home – I couldn’t stop thinking about that boy,” Sanders said.

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Sanders, who has worked in Arizona for several years, said the case stood out from other investigations he has handled during his career. He compared the rescue to previous cases involving narcotics, weapons, and fugitives.

“This outweighs any kind of narcotics load I ever found – any weapons load I ever found – fugitives – this outweighs that by miles,” Sanders said.

According to investigators, the suspect had her own child in the vehicle at the time she was transporting the boy.

Deputies believe the presence of another child was part of an effort to avoid suspicion. Authorities also said they believe the boy had been coached on how to answer questions from law enforcement.

“The boy was obviously coached in his answers – someone had prepared him for this situation because he was being smuggled into the United States for trafficking,” Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple said.

Law enforcement officials said they have not yet determined where the boy is originally from or what his final destination was supposed to be.

Investigators said those details remain under review as the case continues at the federal level.

Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels addressed the broader issue of child smuggling and trafficking during the investigation, emphasizing who authorities believe is responsible for profiting from such crimes.

“That child was being exploited and let’s not forget that criminal cartels are the ones profiting off of it,” Dannels said.

Deputy Sanders said removing the boy from the suspect’s custody was the most meaningful part of the operation. He described the moment as the most rewarding aspect of his work in law enforcement.

“Being able to take him from that environment is the most rewarding thing I can do,” Sanders said.

Sanders also used the case to deliver a message to parents in Southern Arizona, focusing on the vulnerability of children and the importance of protecting them.

“Love your kids – they’re defenseless – they’re helpless,” Sanders said.

Authorities said efforts are underway to reunite the boy with his family.

Investigators have not released further information about the child’s identity or family members, citing the ongoing nature of the case and the need to protect the child’s privacy.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that the suspect remains in custody and faces federal charges related to child smuggling.

Investigators also stated that the case is part of a larger focus on trafficking activity along Interstate 10, which they described as a known route for such crimes.

Officials said the investigation remains active as authorities continue working to determine the full scope of the smuggling operation and the circumstances surrounding the boy’s transport into the United States.