Man Who Smuggled Seven Undocumented Immigrants Through Sewer Tubes Between Mexico and the United States Sentenced to Prison

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY - August 19, 2024

SAN DIEGO - Kevin Noe Campos Villa of Tijuana was sentenced in federal court today to seven months in prison for human smuggling.

Campos previously pleaded guilty, admitting he guided seven unauthorized immigrants through sewer pipes during heavy rains. Several had to be rescued from the Tijuana River by San Diego lifeguards.

Campos was arrested on January 22, 2024, after U.S. Border Patrol agents observed Campos directing the individuals from Mexico into the United States through the pipes about two miles west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry during heavy rains.

When confronted by Border Patrol agents, Campos and three of the immigrants he was guiding ran to avoid apprehension. While attempting to escape, they fell into the Tijuana River, known to be contaminated, and had to be rescued by San Diego lifeguards.

According to court records, two of the unauthorized immigrants who were rescued stated that they feared for their lives when crossing the river because they did not know how to swim. One stated that he was swept away by the river's current and was able to grab and hold onto a tree branch until his rescue.

Sewer tubes between the United States and Mexico have grates to prevent individuals from illegally entering the United States. During heavy rain, the grates are opened to let water flow through the sewer tubes without damaging the grates. Due to heavy rain that was occurring in the area at the time, the grates were open, and Campos used the opportunity to smuggle the unauthorized immigrants into the United States.

Court documents established Campos agreed to guide the group in the January event, and in exchange he would have his own smuggling fee reduced to $6,000. Campos also admitted that he has been working for smugglers by building ladders to smuggle people across the U.S.-Mexico border fence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Adeline Schulberg.

DEFENDANT Case Number 24CR0290-LL

Kevin Noe Campos Villa Age: 20 Tijuana, Mexico

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Title 8, United States Code, §1324(a)(1)(A)(i)- Bringing in Illegal Aliens at a Place other than a Designated Port of Entry

Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison; $250,000 fine

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

United States Border Patrol

San Diego Lifeguard River Rescue