23 suspected illegal immigrants caught on Carlsbad beach



1:04 p.m. August 21, 2009


CARLSBAD – Border Patrol agents apprehended 23 suspected illegal immigrants early Friday as they came ashore at Ponto Beach after being dropped off by a smuggling boat, officials said.
Agents patrolling the coast using a thermal hand-held scope spotted the panga around 4 a.m. and tracked it as it moved into shore, said Border Patrol Agent Julius Alatorre.
The 18 men and five women – all Mexican nationals – waded into the beach, where they were apprehended by agents assisted by Carlsbad police. Despite the efforts of the Coast Guard and other units, the panga got away.
The 23 people were taken to a Border Patrol station for processing, Alatorre said.
Breaking News Team: breaking@uniontrib.com

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