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CBP Finds 11 Chinese Nationals Concealed Inside Furniture in Moving Truck

Release Date
Mon, 12/09/2019

SAN DIEGO — CBP officers at the San Ysidro port of entry thwarted an alleged human smuggling attempt of 11 Chinese nationals concealed in a moving truck full of furniture.

CBP officers at the San Ysidro port of entry thwarted an alleged human smuggling attempt of 11 Chinese nationals concealed in a moving truck full of furniture.“CBP cannot stress enough the dangers of smuggling people,” said CBP Director of Field Operations for San Diego Pete Flores.  “These are human beings that smugglers subject to inhumane conditions that could have deadly consequences. Fortunately no one was seriously injured.” 

On Dec. 7, at approximately 5:25 p.m., a 42-year-old male U.S. citizen arrived at the San Ysidro border crossing from Mexico, driving a moving truck. The CBP officer conducting inspections referred the driver and truck for a further more intensive inspection of the conveyance and contents.

CBP freed some of the Chinese nationals from a washing machine, chest and a dresser. CBP officers searched the contents of the moving truck and discovered 11 Chinese nationals concealed within various pieces of furniture. CBP freed some of the Chinese nationals from a washing machine, chest and a dresser.

CBP officers took the driver into custody and later transported him to the Metropolitan Correctional Center to await criminal proceedings.

CBP officers placed an immigration hold on the 11 Chinese nationals for the pending criminal and immigration proceedings.

One month ago on Nov. 7, CBP officers at the same port of entry found six Chinese nationals concealed in another moving truck, behind a false wall.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021