ENCINITAS: 3 arrested in smuggling by boat

LUCIA WALINCHUS - lwalinchus@nctimes.com
November 10, 2009 5:35 pm

Font Size:Default font sizeLarger font sizeENCINITAS ---- Authorities arrested three Mexicans early Tuesday on suspicion of smuggling two dozen illegal immigrants into the country, U.S. Border Patrol Agent Jerry Conlin said.

At about 1:25 a.m. Tuesday, Border Patrol agents spotted a 30-foot boat unloading passengers on Cardiff State Beach.

In conjunction with the Sheriff's Department, agents responded to the beach and arrested 19 men, three women, and two boys, ages 16 and 17, all Mexicans.

They also caught up to the boat and arrested three men about two miles west of the beach. The names of the suspects are not available, Conlin said.

Typically, at least three people are kept for a short time as material witnesses, Conlin said.

The rest have the option of returning to Mexico voluntarily or asking for an immigration hearing.

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