13 Illegal Immigrants Arrested in California Wearing U.S. Marine Uniforms
FOX News
Border Patrol agents recently arrested 13 illegal immigrants disguised as U.S. Marines and riding in a fake military van, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Tuesday.
The illegal immigrants were clad in Marine uniforms when they were apprehended at the Campo Border Patrol Westbound I-8 checkpoint at 11 p.m. on March 14 near Pine Valley, Calif., border officials said. Two U.S. citizens in the van also were arrested.
After the suspicious white van was subjected to secondary inspection, it was determined that the driver of the vehicle and its front seat passenger were U.S. citizens who were attempting to smuggle 13 illegal immigrants into the United States. All of the vehicle’s occupants wore U.S. Marine uniforms, reportedly emblazoned with the name “Perez.”
“This effort is an example of the lengths smugglers will go to avoid detection, and the skilled and effective police work and vigilance displayed everyday by Customs and Border Protection personnel,” the agency said in a written statement.
The van used in the smuggling attempt, according to California’s El Centro Border Intelligence Center, was a privately owned vehicle registered out of Yucca Valley, Calif., and was bearing stolen government plates that had been defaced. The center digit — 0 — was altered to read as an 8. Further research through multiple government agencies determined that the plate belonged to a one-ton cargo van registered to the U.S. Marine Corps.
The military referred inquiries back to Customs and Border Protection.
The van entered into the United States via Mexicali, Mexico, and proceeded to Calexico, Calif., where the U.S. Marine uniforms were donned, according to Homeland Security Today.
The Campo Border Station was constructed in June 2008 and is located roughly 28 miles east of San Diego Sector Headquarters in rural East San Diego County. It is responsible for securing approximately 13.1 linear miles of the U.S.-Mexico border and 417 square miles of surrounding territory. An estimated 7,000 vehicles pass through its two checkpoints daily, according to its website.
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Wild Thing’s comment……..
I wonder how many times have they run this scheme and gotten away with it? Then I would also like to know, what was their true motive for dressing in Marine Uniforms? What if terrorists did this to get into our country. Just to sneak into the country for some other more dangerous plot.
These illegals could/should be tried as spies and saboteurs for wearing US military uniforms. I am glad the Border Patrol is onto this scheme.
Los Devil Perros?
Say “Hello!” to Dick Vitale and my Yankees / Orioles in town!
Tom, I agree so much, they really should. That would be the best way to deal with this.
Darth, haha yess and Nick told me the Orioles beat the Yankee’s yesterday. They built a brand new stadium here in town, it looks really nice.