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Man Pleads Guilty To Smuggling People Into US Through Sewer Grates
A man pleaded guilty on Thursday to smuggling people into the U.S. through sewer pipes, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
Kevin Noe Campos Villa of Tijuana, Mexico, pleaded guilty to a human smuggling charge in connection with a Jan. 22 incident in which he guided seven unauthorized immigrants through sewer pipes during heavy rains, when the grates that prevent entry are opened to let water flow through.
Campos was arrested after U.S. Border Patrol agents saw him directing people through the sewer pipes about two miles west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. When agents approached, Campos and three of the people he was guiding ran to escape, and fell into the Tijuana River, requiring rescue by San Diego lifeguards.
Two of the people who were rescued said they feared for their lives when in the river because they did not know how to swim, according to court records. The third said he was swept away by the current and had to hold onto a tree branch until he was rescued.
Campos admitted that he guided the group in exchange for $6,000. He also admitted to building ladders to help unauthorized immigrants cross the border fence.
“This case is yet another example of transnational smuggling organizations placing profits over safety,” U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath said in a statement. “Thankfully, due to law enforcement intervention and the assistance of local lifeguards, all lives were spared.”
“This is an important reminder that safety is of little concern to transnational criminal organizations,” said Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel. “U.S. Border Patrol agents will continue to target human smugglers and deliver consequences to those who violate the laws of our nation.”
Campos faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. His sentencing is scheduled for June 17.
TMX contributed to this article.
