A couple of taxi drivers were arrested early Thursday while allegedly transporting nine Mexican citizens who were about to irregularly cross the border.

The incident took place in Villa Zapata rural town at 4:30 a.m.

Mexicali police officers were patrolling State Highway 8 when they suddenly observed two Nissan Versa with taxi cab logos.

Both drivers were stopped.

The authorities arrested Rafael, 62, Jesus Carlos, 52, and Juanito, 22.

The suspects told the police they were paid by the nine Mexican immigrants to get smuggled into the U.S. for $8,000.