TURNER, Maine- On Tuesday evening, Border Patrol agents from the Rangeley Border Patrol Station arrested eight men for a variety of charges. Agents also recovered numerous fraudulent documents and a small amount of cocaine.

Following a vehicle stop, Border Patrol agents arrested six Mexican Nationals, one Honduran National, and one man from the Dominican Republic. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery and seizure of 17.5 grams of powdered cocaine, fraudulent social security cards and fraudulent immigration documents.

“Border security impacts every town, city, and state in this country,” said Jason D. Owens, Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol in Maine. “This incident is a reminder that Maine is not immune to those impacts.”

The men were transported to the Rangeley Border Patrol Station for processing. Agents confirmed that the Honduran National (66) and one of the Mexican Nationals (37) were previously deported from the United States on two separate occasions. Four of the men, including the citizen of the Dominican Republic, were found to have entered the United States illegally from Mexico. Additionally, two of the Mexican Nationals were found to have overstayed their non-immigrant visas, which expired in July of 2019. All of the men were working illegally in the United States.

“Every element of this incident directly ties back to border security. Maine isn’t simply a transit point when it comes to illegal border activity; it is a destination,” said Chief Owens.

The eight men were turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) for immigration proceedings. While most of the people arrested by the United States Border Patrol in Maine are processed administratively, underlying criminal charges are frequently present. Investigations relating to the use of illegal foreign labor are conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The U.S. Border Patrol in Maine relies on the cooperation and assistance of the public. Anyone wishing to make a confidential report of suspicious activity may call (800) 851-8727 to contact the United States Border Patrol in Maine.

Follow: @USBPChiefHLT and @CBPNewEngland