[ilbegone]

20 illegal immigrants left at beach arrested


October 27, 2009

CARLSBAD — A small fishing boat dropped off 20 illegal immigrants on South Ponto Beach in Carlsbad and the immigrants were quickly arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents early yesterday, authorities said.

Agents on patrol spotted the boat as it unloaded 16 men and four women about 2:40 a.m., authorities said. The two suspected smugglers on the boat returned to sea and escaped.

The immigrants, all Mexican citizens, are accused of entering the country illegally and are expected to be deported, authorities said.

A 26-year-old man from the group was found to be a former gang member who had been deported previously, authorities said, and he faces prosecution for for re-entering the country.