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CBP Officers Find Man Hidden in Quarter Panel of a Van

Release Date
Wed, 04/30/2014

TECATE, Calif. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Tecate port of entry on Sunday discovered a man hidden in the quarter panel of a vehicle.

On Sunday, April 27, shortly before 5:30 a.m., a CBP officer encountered a 40-year-old male U.S. citizen, after he arrived at the port of entry driving a green 1997 Nissan Quest. He presented a California birth certificate and California driver license as  his own as proof of his identity.  Officers referred both the vehicle and driver for a more in-depth examination.

During the intensive examination, CBP officers discovered anomalies within the quarter panel of the minivan. They then pulled back the interior driver side rear wall panel revealing a 23-year-old male Mexican citizen.  An officer removed the man and escorted him to a secure location for further processing.

The driver, a resident of Redwood City, was arrested and booked into the Metropolitan Correctional Center to await criminal arraignment.

CBP placed an immigration hold on the undocumented male to initiate removal from the United States at the conclusion of the driver’s court proceedings.  He was later transported to Metropolitan Correctional Center.

CBP seized the vehicle.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021