CAMPO, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents working near the U.S./Mexico International Border recently found a two-year-old child traveling without her parents.
On Nov. 27, at approximately 6 p.m., Border Patrol agents apprehended six undocumented foreign nationals two miles north of the border near Campo. Traveling within the group was a two-year-old child, who was strapped to the chest of a 17-year-old male.
According to the young male, the child had been with her mother the night before on Nov. 26, but she became tired and asked if one of the group members could carry her daughter. The 17-year-old youth, traveling alone, offered to carry the child while the mother rested.
The young man also related that at the U.S./Mexico International border, he still had the child in his possession. His group separated before crossing into the United States and the boy could not locate the girl’s mother. His group subsequently was apprehended two miles north of the border near Campo.
The child was transferred to a local child-holding facility. The two-year-old child currently is being held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody while authorities attempt to reunite her with her mother.
Multiple members of the group claimed to be members of the so-called caravan.
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.