CAMPO CALIF: US Border Patrol agents from San Diego Sector arrested 23 illegal aliens north of the border approximately 17 miles east of the Tecate Port of Entry in East San Diego County.
A Border Patrol agent observed two vehicles north of the border and additional agents closest to the site arrived and discovered a panel cut out from the international boundary fence. In addition to the fence cut, they found an abandoned Dodge Ram truck and footprints heading north of the fence. Agents, with the assistance of a K-9 team, tracked the footprints and encountered 17 individuals in various locations. All admitted to being illegally present in the U.S. and were transported to a nearby station.
Approximately 10 yards west of the Dodge Ram, agents encountered new tire tracks also heading north. Agents followed the tracks a short distance and discovered a GMC Safari van hidden in the brush. As they approached the van, the vehicle accelerated and crashed through a nearby chain-link fence. The Safari driver and front passenger then jumped out of the vehicle and fled, leaving six individuals in the rear of the van. When questioned, all six people admitted they were Mexican nationals illegally present in the U.S.
All individuals were arrested and processed for removal proceedings. The U.S. Border Patrol seized the three vehicles.
To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders.
