CBP Officer Catches Illegal Alien Posing as Construction Worker at San Ysidro

SAN DIEGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Ysidro port of entry Monday caught a Mexican citizen posing as a construction worker in an attempt to elude officers and enter the country illegally.

At about 6:30 a.m. on April 7, the man arrived at the border crossing on foot from Mexico wearing a hard hat, work boots, a tool belt, and yellow safety vest. The San Ysidro port of entry is currently undergoing a major reconstruction, which has been underway since 2011.

The man was in the construction area drinking coffee when a CBP officer noticed him.  The CBP officer approached him and asked to see credentials, which the man could not produce.  CBP officers escorted the man for a thorough inspection.

CBP officers confirmed that the man does not have the proper status or documents to legally enter the United States.  The 33-year-old male Mexican citizen will be processed for removal from the United States.

“Individuals will think of creative ways to get past us, such as in this case under the guise of a construction worker,” said Johnny Armijo, CBP assistant director of border security for the San Diego field office.  “Not only must our officers be vigilant during the course of their inspections, but also must have situational awareness at all times while working at the port of entry.”