JACUMBA, Calif. — Border Patrol agents in East County San Diego arrested 19 people during a three-vehicle, drive-through attempt early Sunday morning.
people Sunday attempting to flee.
At approximately 6:30 a.m., agents observed three SUV’s traveling northbound on Carrie’s Road, an off-road scenic route located in the Jacumba Wilderness Area.
Agents suspected the vehicles were not routine off-roaders since they were traveling on a road that originates at the U.S./Mexico border in an area with no infrastructure or wall. Agents approached the vehicles to investigate. As agents did so, the three older-model SUV’s quickly turned around and headed back towards Mexico. As the three SUVs moved southward, the GMC Yukon SUV became stuck and the driver jumped out, abandoning his vehicle, and fled on foot. An agent arrived shortly after and found 17 people inside the Yukon. Other agents searched the area and found two additional people hiding in nearby brush. All 19 were illegally present in the U.S. and arrested.
Agents were unable to locate the driver of the Yukon despite an exhaustive search.
The remaining two vehicles continued southward along the trail. As they approached the U.S./Mexico International Boundary, 48 people jumped out of the two remaining SUVs and return to Mexico.
The group of 19 who had been arrested consisted of six women and 13 men, all Mexican nationals. A 44-year-old man in the group will be held pending further criminal charges for re-entry after removal. The remaining 18 individuals were expelled to Mexico.
All three late-model SUVs were towed off public lands.
“Events like these can be seen in areas where no border infrastructure is present,” said Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “We are thankful no one was hurt during this failed human smuggling plot.”
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.