Agents Arrest 11 in Alien Smuggling Event

JAMUL, Calif. — A U.S. citizen is currently behind bars after attempting to smuggle 10 foreign nationals into the U.S. early Thursday morning.

On September 12, at approximately 3 a.m., U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to pull over the male driver of a 2005 Toyota Sequoia on Highway 94 who was believed to be involved in a human smuggling event.  However, the driver failed to yield and instead fled from agents at a high rate of speed.

The man continued his flight on Highway 94 towards Jamul.  Attempting to avoid any danger to other drivers, agents tried various tactics to stop the vehicle, however, the man continued to flee.  As the speeding SUV approached the intersection of Vista Sage Road and Highway 94, the vehicle spun out and came to a stop.  Agents immediately detained the driver and discovered 10 passengers inside.

The driver was later identified as a 20-year-old U.S. citizen, and all 10 passengers were found to be Mexican nationals illegally present in the U.S.  With concerns for passenger safety, agents verified that the 10 passengers had no injuries from the pursuit and resulting driver spin out.

The Mexican nationals and U.S. citizen driver were transported to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing.  The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

The U.S. Border Patrol reminds the public that human smuggling is an extremely dangerous activity.  Transnational criminal organizations prioritize monetary gain over the wellbeing of the people they smuggle, often placing them in unpredictable and unsafe conditions.

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.  To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.