32 migrants discovered with false documents inside bus along I-25 in Las Cruces

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Border Patrol agents uncovered 32 migrants with improper documentation Thursday. The agents performed an immigration inspection of a commercial bus along I-25.

Agents claim some of the passengers on the bus had applied for immigration benefits online, but they had crossed the border before their applications were finalized or their status granted.

The migrants had Notice of Action forms called I-797C. That's the form that tells officials the migrant has applied for benefits, but does not indicate the migrant has actually been granted the benefits. Agents say the migrants had been given the documents by people in El Paso.

The migrants on the bus were from Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia. They were taken to the Central Processing Center for processing.

Border Patrol officials say Transnational Criminal Organizations use migrants' ignorance of the U.S. immigration system to encourage them across the border and make a profit. Officials say these smugglers falsely promise a safe journey into the country.

If you see any suspicious activity, you are encouraged to report it to Border Patrol anonymously at 1-800-635-2509.