A concealed trap door in a tractor-trailer in the East County revealed several people hiding in a false compartment, US Border Patrol agents said.
Agents say the driver seemed nervous when they pulled over the tractor-trailer Tuesday on Interstate 8 near the Crestwood exit, so they searched the vehicle.
They searched the trailer and found a wooden wall at the far end with a false compartment and eight people inside. Among the group were seven illegal immigrants from Mexico and a 28-year-old Mexican national identified as the group’s foot guide.
The driver of the semi, a 35-year-old Mexican national and his foot guide were arrested and taken into federal custody to await prosecution for alien smuggling.
