San Diego Border Patrol Agents Arrest 19 Individuals in Border Drainage System

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Chula Vista Station recently arrested 19 people discovered hiding in a drainage system near the border in San Diego. Among those arrested were 35-year-old Raudel Carrillo-Padilla and 31-year-old Ivan Carrillo-Padilla, two previously deported Mexican brothers with convictions in 2017 for possession, transport, and intent to sell methamphetamine out of Yreka, California. Ivan had an additional deportation after being arrested for a 2019 drug-related interdiction stop in Eugene, Oregon. The incident occurred on May 4 at 10:40 p.m. when agents, aided by the Remote Video Surveillance System, detected suspicious activity near the drainage tunnels. Agents responded to the location and encountered a group attempting to illegally enter the United States through the tunnel system. Agents safely arrested 16 adults and three unaccompanied children, all citizens of Mexico. The San Diego Sector Tunnel Team responded to clear the drainage system and ensure no additional individuals were concealed inside. All 19 subjects were transported to the Chula Vista Station for processing. “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.” All 19 individuals will be processed for removal or federal prosecution.