March 24, 2024 – SAN DIEGO –Kevin Noe Campos Villa of Tijuana pleaded guilty in federal court last Thursday to human smuggling charges, admitting he guided seven unauthorized immigrants through sewer pipes during heavy rains. Several had to be rescued from the Tijuana River by San Diego lifeguards.

Campos is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Linda Lopez.

Campos was arrested on January 22, 2024, after U.S. Border Patrol agents observed Campos directing the individuals from Mexico into the United States through the pipes about two miles west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry during heavy rains.

When confronted by Border Patrol agents, Campos and three of the immigrants he was guiding ran to avoid apprehension. While attempting to escape, they fell into the Tijuana River and had to be rescued by San Diego lifeguards.

According to court records, two of the unauthorized immigrants who were rescued stated that they feared for their lives when crossing the river because they did not know how to swim. One stated that he was swept away by the river’s current and was able to grab and hold onto a tree branch until his rescue.

Sewer tubes between the United States and Mexico have grates to prevent individuals from illegally entering the United States. During heavy rain, the grates are opened to let water flow through the sewer tubes without damaging the grates. Due to heavy rain that was occurring in the area at the time, the grates were open and Campos used the opportunity to smuggle the unauthorized immigrants into the United States.

In his plea agreement, Campos admitted that he agreed to guide the group in the January event in exchange for $6,000. Campos also admitted that he has been working for smugglers by building ladders to smuggle people across the U.S.-Mexico border fence.

“This case is yet another example of transnational smuggling organizations placing profits over safety,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “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.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Adeline Schulberg.

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24CR0290-LL                                   

Kevin Noe Campos Villa                               Age: 20                                   Tijuana, Mexico

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 8, United States Code, §1324(a)(1)(A)(i) – Bringing in Illegal Aliens at a Place other than a Designated Port of Entry

Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison; $250,000 fine

AGENCY

United States Border Patrol

San Diego Lifeguards

Source: DOJ Release