50 Illegal Immigrants Surrender After Fleeing Fire on Mexican Border

Tuesday, October 23, 2007


SAN DIEGO β€” Fearing for their safety, about 50 suspected illegal immigrants have surrendered to the Border Patrol since Sunday to escape one of Southern California's largest wildfires.

The Border Patrol says no illegal immigrants have been reported injured, but agents are scouting a hilly, heavily wooded area east of San Diego for anyone in trouble. The so-called Harris Fire has burned 22,000 acres near the Mexican border. One civilian has been killed, while 16 people and five firefighters are injured.

The California National Guard says it has pulled about 200 of its 600 troops normally assigned to work security on the Mexican border. Those troops are assisting other agencies on the fire.

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