U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents arrested 19 migrants, including two previously deported brothers with drug trafficking convictions, after spotting them hiding in a drainage tunnel system near the U.S.-Mexican border near San Diego, officials announced Tuesday.
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The arrests occurred about 10:40 p.m. May 4. Agents using a remote video surveillance system observed suspicious activity near the tunnels and responded to the location, where they encountered the group entering the country illegally, CBP officials said.
Among those taken into custody were two brothers, ages 35 and 31, previously deported to Mexico following 2017 convictions in Yreka for possession, transport and intent to sell methamphetamine. One brother also faced a subsequent deportation after a 2019 drug-related arrest in Eugene, Ore.
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The arrested group consisted of 16 adults and three unaccompanied children, the agency reported. Following the initial apprehensions, the San Diego Sector Tunnel Team responded to clear the drainage system and confirm no other individuals remained inside.
All 19 people were taken to the Chula Vista station for processing. Authorities said they will face either removal proceedings or federal criminal prosecution.
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