NewsKTLA 5 — CaliforniaNovember 2, 2026San Diego County
U.S. citizen fined $5K after illegal border crossing
Photo: KTLA 5 — California
A Los Angeles man who entered the United States from Mexico without authorization was detained, issued a $5,000 fine, and transferred to local law enforcement on an active felony warrant. U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered the man near Mine Canyon at approximately 2 p.m. on Oct. 15 after he crossed outside a designated port of entry.
Read the full story at KTLA 5 — CaliforniaWhy It Matters
The case highlights the enforcement of financial penalties and criminal warrants for individuals entering the country outside official ports of entry, regardless of citizenship status.
Key Facts
- A U.S. citizen from Los Angeles was fined $5,000 after entering the United States from Mexico outside of a designated port of entry.
- U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered the man near Mine Canyon, about 11 miles east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, at about 2 p.m. on Oct. 15.
- Records checks verified the man's citizenship and revealed an active felony warrant issued by the Los Angeles Police Department for an alleged domestic violence offense.
- The man was transferred to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office for booking on the outstanding warrant after being fined.
- Justin M. De La Torre, chief patrol agent for the U.S. Border Patrol San Diego Sector, stated that U.S. citizenship does not exempt individuals from the requirement to enter through a designated port of entry.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationKSWB“Reported on the video shared by CBP.”OrganizationLos Angeles Police Department“Issued an active felony warrant in connection with an alleged domestic violence ”locationMine Canyon“U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered the man near this location.”OrganizationU.S. Customs and Border Protection“Provided details of the encounter and shared video footage.”locationMexico“The man entered the United States illegally from here.”locationLos Angeles“The man stated he was a U.S. citizen from this city.”OrganizationSan Diego County Sheriff’s Office“The man was transferred to this office for booking on his felony warrant.”PersonJustin M. De La Torre“Chief patrol agent for the U.S. Border Patrol San Diego Sector who commented on ”locationOtay Mesa Port of Entry“The encounter occurred about 11 miles east of this port of entry.”