10News.com

Sustain San Diego
Sustain San Diego
10 News Leadership Award
Rady Children's 10 Mobile
Extreme Makeover My Hometown
San Diego News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

Officials: Coast Guard Arrests Suspected Smugglers

Arrests Are On Suspicion Of Smuggling Mexican Nationals

POSTED: 10:54 am PDT October 3, 2006
UPDATED: 11:07 am PDT October 3, 2006

An American and a German were arrested Sunday on suspicion of trying to smuggle 15 Mexican nationals into the South Bay on a 35-foot sailboat, federal officials said Tuesday.

The arrests came after a National Guardsman on duty in Imperial Beach notified Border Patrol agents about a vessel crossing into U.S. waters about 5:20 a.m. Sunday, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

When law enforcement agents approached the boat about 1 1/2 miles off Border Field State Park, the guardsman reported people scrambling to go below deck, CBP officials said.

The agents boarded and seized the vessel, arresting a German and an American whose names were withheld, according to CBP officials.

It was unclear if any of the would-be immigrants were arrested.

It was the second time in little more than a week that members of the National Guard alerted Border Patrol agents to illegal immigrants.

On Sept. 25, a National Guard helicopter pilot notified agents that a northbound SUV was stuck in the border fence a few miles east of the Otay Mesa port of entry, CBP Agent Matthew Johnson said.

The pilot reported about 10 people fleeing the vehicle and running back toward Mexico, Johnson said, adding that agents later found a blow torch near the corrugated steel fence, which was cut open.


Links We Like
Sponsored Content
There is no absolute number of drinks per day that defines alcoholism. Learn the behavior and body reactions that constitute alcoholism. More

If you’re starting to feel like your home needs a little warmth, try these helpful hints to make your living space just a little more cozy. More

If you’re feeling like you’re not doing what you’re supposed to, take this quiz and take control of your working destiny. More

With the holiday season fast approaching, most of us plan to repeat the new-age tradition of online shopping. Check out the best sites and find that perfect gift for less. More

Don’t be left out. Make the switch to Digital TV.
Sponsored Links