Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California have filed over 100 border-related cases this week. These cases include charges such as transportation of illegal aliens, reentering the U.S. after deportation, importation of controlled substances, and assault on a federal officer.
The Southern District of California is one of the busiest federal districts due to its high volume of border-related crimes. It covers San Diego and Imperial counties, which share a 140-mile border with Mexico. This district includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, known as the world's busiest land border crossing.
In addition to handling reactive border-related crimes, the district prosecutes proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking, and national security.
A few notable arrests this week include:
On March 8, 2025, Gabriel Yeraldi Gaona was arrested for alien smuggling after attempting to bring two Mexican citizens into the U.S. "Following his arrest," it was noted that "Gaona admitted that he crossed into the United States from Mexico by climbing over a ladder that was placed on the first border fence."
On March 9, 2025, Antonio Lerma Cervantes was arrested at Otay Mesa Port of Entry with over 60 pounds of cocaine hidden in his vehicle.
On March 12, 2025, Edy Osorio-Berrelleza was arrested for transporting another Mexican citizen within the U.S. After evading Border Patrol agents and throwing rocks at law enforcement personnel and equipment during his capture attempt.
Federal authorities are prioritizing immigration prosecutions against undocumented individuals involved in criminal activities such as drug and firearms offenses or those with serious criminal records. They are also focusing on prosecuting smugglers who endanger community safety.
These cases are supported by federal law enforcement agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
It is important to note that indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.