Couple accused of attempted child smuggling

DOUGLAS (AP) — A Phoenix man and woman are accused of trying to smuggle two young children into the United States at southern Arizona’s Douglas port of entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested the pair, identified only as a 22-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man, and turned them over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for investigation.

Officers screening passengers Tuesday at the port say they became suspicious of a couple accompanied by girls ages 8 and 4.

Border agents allege the couple was trying to bring in the children for monetary gain.

They say the 8-year-old told them the pair drilled them on things they should say in such a way that she became afraid.

The girls, who are not related, were given shelter while awaiting reunions with their families.