SAN CLEMENTE -- A man suspected of trying to smuggle two children to Los Angeles was arrested Tuesday, according to a Border Patrol spokesman.

A San Diego Sector Border Patrol agent stopped a northbound Ford Expedition on Interstate 5 in San Clemente about 4:45 p.m. after noticing two kids in the back seat trying to hide, Border Patrol spokesman Agent Mark Endicott said.

The agent determined the 27-year-old driver, Daniel Gonzalez, was a Mexican in the country illegally, Endicott said. Gonzalez told the agent he was the kids' uncle, but he was arrested after the children said something different, he said.

An investigation revealed the 10-year-old girl and 11-year-old boy were Mexicans who had been smuggled into the country, Endicott said. Gonzalez is suspected of accepting payment to take them to Los Angles.

Agents found a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the suspect's vehicle, Endicott said.

The children are in federal custody, and agents are working with the Mexican government, Endicott said.

Gonzalez faces charges of alien smuggling.