U.S. Border Patrol agents stationed in California encountered four “heavily armed” men suspected to be undocumented immigrants and human smugglers, officials said in a statement.
The Border Patrol agents were conducting routine patrol operations on October 25 at around 4:50 p.m. near the San Ysidro Mountains when they encountered four individuals carrying AR-15-style rifles with high-capacity magazines.
When the men noticed the agents, they dropped their weapons and fled south toward Mexico. The event took place 12.4 miles east of the San Ysidro point of entry and 0.3 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Border Patrol agents immediately notified the Government of Mexico, which responded to assist with additional security.
When the agents thought there was no further threat of immediate danger, they searched the area and recovered the four AR-15-style rifles and 17 loaded AR-15 magazines.
The weapons and ammunition were seized and will be processed.
There have been no arrests made in connection to the incident. However, a bi-national investigation is being carried out to identify the four men.
“This type of dangerous activity must not be tolerated,” said San Diego Chief Patrol Agent Aaron M. Heitke. “When events like this occur, we think of our fallen Border Patrol Agents Bryan Terry, Robert Rosas, and others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to this nation. We think of the migrant victims of armed extortion, robbery, or worse. And we think of the dangers to outdoor enthusiasts who frequent the area. It is critical that communities on both sides of the border remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”
