Multinational operation leads to arrests of Venezuelan, Brazilian migrants near the border with California

San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents and Mexican officials joined forces to disrupt a transnational smuggling operation. The investigation led to the arrest of smugglers and migrants on both sides of the California-Mexico border.

Between October 28 and November 9, border patrol agents arrested five groups of migrants who were illegally crossing the border from Mexico. The groups consisted mostly of migrants from Brazil and Venezuela, according to information from San Diego Sector Border Patrol officials. The five groups ranged in size from 43 migrants to 93 migrants.

During the previous week, agents banned three more smuggling operations, leading to the arrest of 67, 69 and 72 migrants respectively. Almost all the groups consisted of citizens of Venezuela and Brazil, officials said.

Officials reported:

between October 28 and November 9, agents encountered five groups, mainly from Brazil and Venezuela. The groups all entered the United States illegally and consisted of men, women and children and were 43, 49, 73, 84 and 93 people in size.

On October 27, agents observed a van dropping off a group of people on the south side of the international border fence. The group continued to enter the United States through a compromised drainage pipe. Agents responded in the area, encountering 67 men, women and children from both Brazil and Venezuela.

On October 26, agents encountered two groups of migrants entering the United States illegally through a compromised sewer system. The first group consisted of 86 Brazilian nationals. A few hours later, the second group, consisting of 69 Brazilian nationals, was encountered at the same place. Both groups consisted of men, women and children.

On October 23, agents observed a group of migrants illegally entering the United States through a drainpipe three miles west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Agents responded to the area, encountering 72 men, women and children. Each person in the group was determined to be from either Brazil or Venezuela.

From November 4, Border Patrol officials worked with the San Diego Sector Foreign Operations Branch with the Mexican government to investigate the transnational human trafficking. The investigation led to the arrest of two Mexican smugglers and the rescue of 75 migrants from Brazil, Portugal and Venezuela, all of whom were trapped inside a van in Mexico.

“Partnerships with the Mexican government continue to play a crucial role in combating smugglers who exploit individuals for economic gain,” said Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “We thank them for their support and will continue our joint efforts to bring these criminals to justice.”

Bob Price acts as associate editor and senior news contributor for Breitbart Texas-Border hold. He is an original member of the Breitbart Texas team. Price is a regular panelist at Fox 26 Houston’s What is your point? Talk show Sunday morning. Follow him on Twitter @BobPriceBBTX, Speak up @BobPrice, and Facebook.