Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California have filed 83 border-related cases this week. The charges include bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.
The Southern District of California is one of the busiest federal districts due to its proximity to the Mexico border. This district covers San Diego and Imperial counties and includes a significant portion of the U.S.-Mexico border, featuring the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
Among recent arrests, Guillermo Navarro Cinco and Daniel Vazquez Mijares were charged with attempted bringing in aliens for financial gain after being intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard off Point Loma. Librado Lopez Ramirez was also arrested on charges of attempted entry after deportation.
In another case, Erik Quintero Baez was charged with importation of a controlled substance when Customs and Border Protection officers found liquid methamphetamine concealed in his tractor-trailer at Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
Jose Julian Ugalde Ramos and Luis Adrian Carrillo Sandoval were arrested as deported aliens found in the United States when Border Patrol agents discovered them hiding near the border.
Recent convictions include Alejandro Arellano-Mejia, sentenced to 15 months for illegally re-entering the U.S., Baltazar Mendoza-Giron for similar charges, Josue Roberto Suarez Ruiz and Jesus Ernesto Peinado Armenta for transporting undocumented immigrants, and Victor Armando Pena for illegal reentry following a previous conviction.
Federal law enforcement is prioritizing immigration prosecutions involving undocumented aliens engaged in criminal activity under Operation Take Back America. These efforts are supported by various federal agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, among others.
"Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations," stated authorities, emphasizing that "all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
