A nature photographer was arrested for allegedly smuggling migrants after border agents discovered four individuals hidden in the back of her SUV. The photographer claimed she was on a photography trip but was charged with conspiracy to transport illegal migrants.
A photographer, Chelsea Naida Ruiz, who claimed to be taking nature pictures near the U.S.-Mexico border, was arrested for allegedly smuggling migrants. Ruiz, a U.S. citizen, said she drove her SUV to southern New Mexico earlier this month to capture the local landscape. However, border agents apprehended her vehicle and uncovered four migrants hidden in the back.
The incident unfolded on January 11th when a resident reported seeing individuals potentially crossing New Mexico State Road 338, a known corridor for smuggling activity. An agent at the Lordsburg Border Patrol Station responded to the call and, approximately an hour later, spotted a black GMC Terrain matching the description provided. The vehicle was traveling on Interstate 10 west, another common smuggling route. Two border agents intercepted the SUV and found Ruiz behind the wheel and her husband, Jeremiah Earl Goins, in the passenger seat. Four individuals dressed in camouflage, identified as migrants, were discovered in the backseat and cargo area. Ruiz stated that Goins requested her to drive him to Animas, New Mexico, for a favor. She claimed to be a photographer selling nature photos online and agreed to the drive to take pictures of the South New Mexico landscape afterward. Ruiz said she picked up four unknown individuals at a roadside stop, trusting Goins' decision. She claimed ignorance about their identities or intentions, believing they were being transported to Tucson, Arizona. Goins, according to their accounts, saw four individuals in need and offered them a ride. He claimed not to inquire about their identification or immigration status. However, border agents doubted their explanations, resulting in both Ruiz and Goins facing charges of conspiracy to transport illegal migrants. The couple appeared in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, last week. Court records reveal that the four passengers admitted to illegally entering the U.S. from Mexico. One migrant described paying smugglers to cross the border, enduring a five-day trek through the wilderness, and receiving instructions to remain concealed within the SUV. During a search of their vehicle and belongings, border agents allegedly discovered two loaded firearms
SMUGGLING IMMIGRATION BORDER PATROL PHOTOGRAPHY NEW MEXICO
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