
According to a media release, the incident began late Saturday when agents from the Deming station were notified of possible activity seven miles east of the Columbus port.
Agents responded to the area, located the group as they attempted to hide in the brush, and determined that five of the subjects being smuggled were from Honduras, and two from El Salvador.
Agents soon realized that one member of the group was a 12-year-old girl who did not appear to have any family members with her.
Agents then determined that the girl matched an earlier alert about a female being held captive while smugglers attempted to coerce money from her family.
The child's mother and sister had already made their way to the Columbus port of entry to explain their situation and the loss of the child.
The girl was found to be in good health and was reunited with her family.