IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. — San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents witnessed a smuggler drop a two-year-old child from atop the 18-foot-high border wall into the arms of the child’s father.
The event began shortly after midnight on Sunday, when personnel utilizing remote video surveillance systems (RVSS) observed a group of individuals illegally enter the U.S. by climbing over the 18-foot-high border wall. While monitoring the group, RVSS operators observed a small child being suspended from atop the border wall and dropped to an awaiting subject below. Agents quickly arrived on scene and arrested the group. Luckily, the child was not injured.
Further investigation revealed that a smuggler had dropped the child into the arms of the child’s father below. Both the father and child were determined to be citizens of Ghana with no legal status inside the U.S.
“This event could have been catastrophic,” said U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Aaron M. Heitke. “It is not only unlawful, but inherently dangerous to cross the border anywhere outside of a designated port of entry.”
To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.