Border Patrol Recovers Illegal Crossers from California Tunnel
Recently, two Mexican brothers with a past in methamphetamine trafficking were part of a group discovered in a drainage tunnel while attempting to cross into the U.S. illegally.
On May 4, Border Patrol agents from the Chula Vista station apprehended 19 individuals in San Diego. A press release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated that this group consisted of 16 adults and three unaccompanied minors. Both brothers were caught in the same tunnels near the southern border.
The arrests were initially reported on Monday by sources. Laudel Carrillo-Padilla, 35, and Ivan Carrillo-Padilla, 31, were identified as repeat offenders by CBP. They had previously been deported after their 2017 convictions for possession, transportation, and intent to sell methamphetamine in Yreka, California. Ivan had been returned to Mexico in 2019 after a police stop in an anti-drug operation in Eugene, Oregon.
Agents utilized remote video surveillance to locate the group and approached the tunnel entrance shortly before 11 p.m. A specialized San Diego Sector Tunneling team then thoroughly checked the area to make sure no additional individuals were present.
San Diego District Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre commented on the situation, highlighting the inherent public safety risks associated with such smuggling attempts. “These efforts are dangerous and involve individuals that can threaten community safety,” he noted. He also emphasized the effectiveness of their surveillance technology in apprehending this group before they could advance further into the community. “If you try to cross our borders illegally, we will catch you and arrest you,” he added.
According to CBP, all 19 detainees were taken to the Chula Vista base and now face deportation or federal criminal charges. The agency also acknowledged the efforts of President Donald Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in enhancing enforcement activities. They’ve reported the elimination of numerous criminal aliens, including gang members, sex offenders, kidnappers, and drug dealers.
