Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California have filed 97 cases related to border activities this week. These cases involve charges including the transportation of illegal aliens, bringing in aliens for financial gain, receipt of bribes by public officials, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and the importation of controlled substances.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for this district plays a substantial role due to its significant border-related crime incidents. Encompassing both San Diego and Imperial counties, the district shares a 140-mile-long border with Mexico, which includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the busiest land border crossing in the world.
The district also deals with various proactive cases, such as those involving terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking, and national security. Information on developments in these areas is available upon request.
Noteworthy incidents this week include:
- Customs and Border Protection Officers Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez were charged with conspiracy and bribery after allegedly allowing vehicles with undocumented immigrants to pass through inspection lanes at the San Ysidro Port of Entry for cash payments from August 2024 through January 2025.
- Osvaldo Parra Franco, a Mexican national, was charged with the importation of controlled substances after trying to enter the U.S. with methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl concealed in his vehicle. This arrest occurred at the San Ysidro Port of Entry following an alert from a narcotics detection canine.
- Jesus Eduardo Carrasco-Romero was charged with illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported shortly before. His arrest took place near Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
- Francisco Anguiano Rios was charged with drug importation after Customs and Border Protection discovered 547 pounds of cocaine hidden in his vehicle’s fuel tank at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
- Miguel Angel Gonzalez Lujan and Jesus Miguel Gonzalez Garcia were intercepted in Campo and charged with transporting illegal aliens after a chase that ended with the use of a spike strip. Inside their vehicle were four undocumented immigrants.
Federal authorities are targeting criminal activity by undocumented aliens in the U.S., particularly those with serious criminal records. Their focus is also on prosecuting drug, firearm, and human smugglers who pose safety threats. Federal partners include agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Border Patrol, alongside support from state and local law enforcement.
It is important to note that the indictments and criminal complaints are allegations, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.