Border Patrol Arrests 19 Individuals in Drainage System

Border Patrol agents in San Diego recently uncovered 19 individuals, one of whom was a convicted drug trafficker, hiding in a drainage system close to the border, as indicated by a press release from Customs and Border Protection.

This operation unfolded on the night of May 4. Agents stationed at Chula Vista noticed some “suspicious activity” via a remote video surveillance system and quickly arrived at the scene, finding a group attempting to cross illegally into the United States.

They apprehended 19 suspects—16 adults and three unaccompanied minors—all identified as Mexican nationals.

“Our dedicated employees work alongside partners in law enforcement to apprehend and remove thousands of criminal aliens, including gang members and drug traffickers, enhancing community safety,” stated the CBP.

Among those arrested were Laudel Carrillo-Padilla, 35, and his brother Ivan Carrillo-Padilla, 31. Both had been previously deported from the U.S. after being convicted in 2017 in California for methamphetamine-related charges. Ivan was deported for a second time following a drug-related arrest in Oregon in 2019.

All suspects were subsequently transported to the Chula Vista Police Department for processing. The press release noted that these individuals may face removal or federal prosecution.

San Diego District Patrol Chief Justin De La Torre remarked, “These smuggling attempts are not just perilous; they often involve people who threaten public safety. Thanks to the vigilance of our agents and the effective use of surveillance technology, we were able to apprehend this group before they could infiltrate deeper into our communities. If you try to cross the border illegally, we will catch you and arrest you.”