Elderly mom sentenced for immigrant smuggling

Written by Greg Moran
12:44 p.m., Dec. 1, 2011

SAN DIEGO — The 85-year-old matriarch of a human-smuggling ring that operated for decades out of a Tijuana hotel was sentenced to 2½ years in federal prison Thursday.

Felicitas Gurrola De Mason sat quietly in the courtroom of U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw, her shoulder-length gray hair framing her lined face. During the hearing, she spoke softly through an interpreter.

“I’m remorseful and I ask for forgiveness,â€