JACUMBA, CALIF.—U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended eight individuals who attempted to enter the United States illegally in two separate incidents yesterday. Seven were citizens of Mexico, one was a citizen of China.
The first incident occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m. when agents discovered footprints approximately 200 yards from the U.S./Mexico International Border in East San Diego County. A Border Patrol K-9 team responded and the K-9 alerted to a nearby area where three individuals were attempting to conceal themselves in a large bush. The three men admitted to being Mexican nationals in the U.S. illegally. All three individuals were arrested. One man was later identified as having a criminal history, which included a U.S. robbery conviction in 2006 and being a member of the Norteno gang, and is facing felony charges for re-entry after deportation.
The second incident occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. when agents observed and pursued five individuals near Old Highway 80 in Jacumba. A Border Patrol K-9 team responded and the K-9 alerted to five individuals attempting to hide in brush. Four individuals admitted to being Mexican nationals in the U.S. illegally. The fifth individual was later identified as a citizen of China, who had entered the U.S. through Mexico. The five men were transported to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing. The Chinese citizen will be set up for removal proceedings.
To prevent illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major 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.