IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. — An investigation led U.S. Border Patrol agents to two separate human smuggling houses resulting in the arrest of 40 Mexican Nationals that were in the United States illegally.
On Nov 5, at approximately 1:30 P.M., agents received information that illegal aliens were harbored at the Serenidad apartment complex on Elder Ave. in Imperial Beach, Calif. Agents responded to the complex and requested entry into an apartment unit. After obtaining consent to search from the apartment’s occupants, agents discovered 22 Mexican Nationals attempting to conceal themselves inside.
Immediately following the arrests, agents interviewed occupants of surrounding apartments which led them to another apartment unit in the same complex.
At approximately 3:10 P.M., agents obtained consent to search that unit from its occupants. The search resulted in the arrest of 18 additional undocumented Mexican Nationals attempting to conceal themselves within two different interior spaces.
A total of 36 males, ages 16 to 49, and four females, ages 24 to 46, were taken into custody. The group was transported to a nearby Border Patrol station for further processing. At least one of the male subjects is a previously deported felon with convictions for domestic violence and corporal injury to a spouse. The investigation continues, and agents are still working to process and identify many of the other individuals arrested.
“Identifying and dismantling smuggling organizations is our top priority,” said Chief Patrol Agent Rodney S. Scott. “These organizations cannot be allowed to operate with impunity inside of our communities.”
