Authorities rescue 'scared' child during traffic stop in southern Arizona

Deputy describes rescued boy's demeanor toward alleged smuggler

An 8-year-old boy was rescued by Arizona authorities during a multi-agency sting after a traffic stop revealed a suspected cartel-linked human trafficking plot. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean reports.

COCHISE COUNTY, Ariz. - An 8-year-old boy is in federal custody after authorities in southern Arizona intercepted what they describe as a possible cartel-linked human trafficking operation.

What we know:

"Law enforcement officers from a multi-agency task force made a traffic stop on the vehicle. The vehicle had a Mexican license plate and was driven by a Mexican citizen. The woman driving the car had two young children with her. One of the children was her biological daughter, and the other was an 8-year-old boy. Her vehicle was temporarily seized while it was searched for narcotics, and the woman got a motel room in Eloy," authorities said.

Photo courtesy of the Pinal County Sheriff's Office

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office released Jan. 7 body camera footage showing Deputy Greg Sanders confronting the woman, who later admitted she was being paid to deliver the boy to unknown individuals.

"She finally admits to being paid $500 to bring this boy," Sanders said. "She has no idea where she's taking him; she has to wait for information on where she has to go and who she's going to drop him off to."

The investigation began in Cochise County, where officials received a tip regarding the suspect’s vehicle. Following a traffic stop, further research into the woman’s history led investigators to believe the boy was being trafficked for profit.

"She had no idea who this child was," Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels said. "She coerced the child, gave him a different name. This child was so scared."

Arizona deputy confronts woman in alleged child trafficking stop

An 8-year-old boy is in federal custody after authorities in southern Arizona intercepted what they describe as a possible cartel-linked human trafficking operation. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean has the details.

‘He was distanced from her'

In the body camera video, a deputy is heard speaking to the woman in Spanish, telling her: "They're going to do who knows what to him. You know what you're doing."

"Her story made no sense. Deputies believed the boy appeared to be coached in his responses. Deputies found out the woman gave deputies a false name of the boy. They were able to get the woman to admit she was smuggling the 8-year-old boy for money. She did not know the boy’s family or his final destination," authorities said.

Investigators believe the woman may be linked to the cartel, a connection that complicates the search for the boy's biological family. Sheriff Dannels noted that those involved in such operations are unlikely to cooperate with law enforcement, making the identification process "a tough one."

Sanders observed that during the encounter, the boy showed no attachment to the woman. "The entire interaction, the whole time, he didn't care about her at all," Sanders said. "He never tried to go near her; in fact, he was distanced from her for the most part."

Photo courtesy of the Pinal County Sheriff's Office

Big picture view:

The operation was a collaborative effort between multiple agencies as part of a statewide initiative to combat human trafficking. Sheriff Dannels noted that the case highlights a growing crisis of "humans for profit" extending far beyond border communities.

What we don't know:

No names have been released in this case, and authorities say the woman and boy are both from Mexico.

"The intention of the traffickers with the boy is still unknown," authorities said.

What's next:

The woman is expected to face federal charges. While the boy's origin and intended destination remain unclear, officials confirmed he is currently safe and in the care of federal agents.

What you can do:

Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple said the rescue is part of an ongoing statewide push to combat human trafficking. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior involving children.

"If you see something suspicious in a gas station where you think this child doesn't really meet up with this family ... that’s when we want you to call us," Teeple said. "We want to keep the children safe."

If you suspect someone is being human trafficked, you can click here to make a report or call local authorities.