CAMPO, Calif. — May 30, 2025 — U.S. Border Patrol agents from the San Diego Sector intercepted a human smuggling attempt and seized multiple firearms during a traffic stop Wednesday night near Jacumba Hot Springs.
At approximately 8:45 p.m., agents from the Campo Station stopped a Ford pickup truck traveling eastbound on Interstate 8. During the immigration inspection, authorities discovered two undocumented individuals from Mexico being transported by two suspected smugglers—one a U.S. citizen and the other a Mexican national under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Inside the vehicle, agents found three fully loaded firearms: two handguns and one rifle without a serial number, commonly referred to as a “ghost gun.” They also seized 23 rounds of 5.56mm rifle ammunition, 69 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and six magazines.
Smugglers Face Federal Charges
The two suspected smugglers and the undocumented individuals were taken to the Campo Station for processing. The firearms, which included two registered handguns and one untraceable ghost gun, were also confiscated. Officials noted that the handguns were registered to a person not present in the vehicle.
Federal charges have been filed against the suspects, including violations of:
- 8 USC 1324 (bringing in and harboring aliens)
- 18 USC 922(a) (unlawful acts involving firearms)
The principal suspect is a male U.S. citizen, while the co-principal suspect is a female DACA recipient. The two undocumented individuals will be removed to Mexico, Border Patrol officials confirmed.
Dangerous Smuggling Operation Foiled
“These human smugglers and the unlawful weapons that were seized posed a significant danger to the community,” said Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector. “Every day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way to protect American lives. This incident is a glaring example of that and their never-ending commitment to protect America.”
