Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California have filed 90 border-related cases this week. These cases involve charges including the transportation of illegal aliens, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and the importation of controlled substances.
The Southern District of California, which encompasses San Diego and Imperial counties, is known for a high volume of border-related crimes due to its 140-mile border with Mexico, including the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing.
A notable arrest this week included Mexican national Aurora Karina Sanchez Quioano, apprehended on March 23, 2025, at Dog Beach in Ocean Beach. Sanchez was charged with illegally reentering the U.S. after deportation in August 2024.
Also on March 23, 2025, Angel Alonso Peralta Fuerte and Juan Jose Diaz-Guerena, both Mexican citizens, were arrested for smuggling 19 individuals without legal documentation. Two of the individuals on the vessel faced additional charges of attempted reentry as removed aliens.
On March 26, 2025, U.S. citizen Xavier Garcia was arrested at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, charged with drug importation. His vehicle was found to contain methamphetamine in various parts, totaling over 500 pounds.
Federal authorities prioritize immigration prosecutions against undocumented aliens involved in criminal activities such as drug and firearm offenses or those with serious criminal records. Federal law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), and Customs and Border Protection, supported these immigration cases.
"Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
The Southern District of California also handles cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, and cybercrime.
