U.S. Border Patrol agents detain Mexican troops on U.S. soil

U.S. Border Patrol agents detained seven members of the Mexican military after they were found inside the United States on Friday. The Mexicans told the border agents they became disoriented while on patrol and accidentally crossed into the country.

U.S. Congressman Tom Tancredo, R- Colorado commented "This is not an uncommon occurrence. Oftentimes, it is the result of the Mexican military providing cover essentially for drug transportation into our country, and/or creating a diversion so it will draw our people away from the place where the drugs are coming across."

The U.S. Border Patrol's Yuma, Arizona, sector was notified early last Friday that a military-style Hummer was broken down on the U.S. side of the border. Agents found the vehicle about 200 yards from the Colorado River, with seven individuals dressed in military-style clothing. Their Hummer was equipped with a turret-mounted machine gun.

Th U.S. agents told the Mexican troops that they were inside the United States and "peaceably" took them into custody. The soldiers, their weapons and their vehicle were placed in Border Patrol custody and transported to the San Luis, Arizona, Port of Entry, where each of the Mexicans was processed in accordance with Border Patrol policy. None of the seven was found to have any criminal or immigration history. Finally, the Mexican soldiers, their weapons and their vehicle were returned to their commanding officer.

Tancredo said the U.S. State Department lodged a complaint with the Mexican government for the first time ever over the military incursions a few weeks ago.