Border Patrol agents working out of the Calais border station apprehended four illegal immigrants on Saturday after reports of suspicious activity at an ATM.
“The relationships we have built with local law enforcement and residents make these types of apprehensions possible. Border Patrol agents are members of these communities and have a vested interest in making them as safe as possible,” said Houlton Sector Chief Derrick Stamper.
Agents responded to the Machias Savings Bank in Calais after reports of suspicious activity at its ATM.
The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a black Toyota RAV4 but were later found traveling on Route 9 in Crawford.
Agents conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and found that the car’s registered owner was subject to a final removal order but had failed to leave the country. It is not clear why an illegal immigrant ordered removed was able to register a car in the state.
The investigation revealed that all four of the vehicle’s occupants were in the country illegally. Three had final orders of removal, and the other was out on bond following a prior immigration arrest and was in violation of his bond conditions.
Agents processed all four for immigration violations and will transfer them into ICE custody, where they will remain pending deportation.
Border Patrol did not name the suspects, or provide their countries of origin.
