U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested 40 undocumented people in Imperial Beach Monday after they were found in what agents are calling two smuggling houses.
The group was discovered at the Serenidad apartment complex on Elder Avenue after 1:30 p.m.
CBP said they were given consent by the residents to search the apartment when they arrived at the scene.
Once inside, agents found 22 undocumented people, according to CBP.
Agents then interviewed residents in the area and were notified of others who were undocumented in the same complex.
Just before 3:15 p.m., CBP agents searched a different apartment.
Here, they found 18 more undocumented people, according to CBP.
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“Identifying and dismantling smuggling organizations is our top priority,” said Chief Patrol Agent Rodney Scott.
Of the 40 arrested, 36 were men and four were women. Their ages ranged from 16 to 46, CBP said.
One of the men was previously convicted for domestic violence, according to CBP.
Agents said all 40 were from Mexico.
The group was taken to a nearby CBP station for further processing.
CBP said it will continue to investigate.
