Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 135 border-related cases this week, focusing on offenses such as transportation of illegal aliens, reentry after deportation, and importation of controlled substances. The district, which includes San Diego and Imperial counties, is the fourth-busiest federal district partly due to high volumes of border-related crimes.
Significant arrests this week included Jesus Manuel Zuniga Huerta and Jose Alberto Flores Avalos of Mexico, charged with importing fentanyl at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Brian Jaime Sanchez, a Mexican national, was charged with bringing in aliens for financial gain at the Tecate Port of Entry. Sergio Villalba-Serrano was charged with being a deported alien found in the United States.
Several defendants with prior criminal records were convicted or sentenced this week for reentering the U.S. illegally. Miguel Rolon was convicted of conspiring to bring in aliens at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Cruz Torres-Gonzalez, Javier Gracia-Meza, Pablo Lazcano-Quinonez, and Jesus Eduardo Morga-Ceballos were sentenced for illegal reentry.
The U.S. Attorney's Office has emphasized focusing on undocumented aliens engaged in criminal activity, prioritizing investigations against drug and firearm smugglers and those who pose threats to community safety.
The cases were supported by various federal and local law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Indictments and criminal complaints remain allegations until proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
