19 People, Including 3 Kids, Found In Tunnels At California Border Entering US

Federal authorities say 19 Mexican citizens were found hiding in the drainage system at the Southern Border near San Diego, Calif., earlier this month, including two with previous criminal convictions and deportations.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Border Patrol agents from the Chula Vista Station were alerted by the Remote Video Surveillance System of suspicious activity near the drainage tunnels at around 10:40 p.m. on May 4. Agents responded to the location and found 16 adults and three unaccompanied children attempting to illegally enter the U.S. through the tunnels.

All 19 people were citizens of Mexico, officials said. Among the group were 35-year-old Raudel Carrillo-Padilla and 31-year-old Ivan Carrillo-Padilla, brothers who were deported after their 2017 convictions for possession, transport, and intent to sell methamphetamine out of Yreka, Calif. Ivan had an additional deportation after a 2019 drug-related interdiction in Eugene, Ore.

Following the group’s detainment, the San Diego Sector Tunnel Team responded to fully clear the tunnels and ensure no one else was inside.

CBP said all 19 individuals will be processed for removal or federal prosecution.

“These smuggling attempts are not only dangerous, but they also frequently involve individuals who pose a threat to public safety,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre. “Thanks to the vigilance of our agents and the effective use of surveillance technology, this group–which included convicted drug traffickers–was apprehended before they could move further into our communities. If you try to illegally cross our border, we will catch you and arrest you.”