A rat-infested storm drain where eight Mexicans were discovered 20 hours after trying to enter the U.S. illegally had been left open for hours by U.S. authorities at the San Ysidro border crossing, according to officials.
The Mexicans had entered the drain early Saturday, March 14 within about 50 yards of border inspectors. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the entry was caught on surveillance tape but went undetected until a motorist reported it.
None of the six males and two females were seriously injured in the 30-inch-wide pipe, but they were dehydrated and hungry after the ordeal.
One was arrested and charged with re-entry after deportation. A 16-year old boy was turned over to the Mexican consulate, agents said.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
