Mexican nationals intercepted in Pine Valley, CA.

By Debbi Baker Union-Tribune Staff Writer
9:26 a.m. May 5, 2009

PINE VALLEY — Border Patrol agents found 30 Mexican nationals being smuggled into the country inside semitrailers in two separate stops, authorities said.

On Saturday, agents discovered 16 men and three women inside the cargo trailer of a truck that was stopped at the Interstate 8 checkpoint for inspection, Border Patrol Agent Mark Endicott said.

The truck's 38-year-old driver, who is a U.S. citizen and lives in San Bernardino, was arrested and is being held in federal custody on smuggling charges, Endicott said.

On Wednesday, eight men and three women were found inside a modified compartment of a semitrailer at the checkpoint in Pine Valley.

That truck's driver, a 42-year-old man from Mexico, was arrested and will also face charges of smuggling, Endicott said.

All of the illegal immigrants were taken into custody and have either been voluntarily returned to Mexico or are being held as material witnesses, Endicott said.

Debbi Baker: (619) 293-1710;

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