02 September, 2017
Valencia-Cortez ran back across the U.S. -Mexico border and escaped but turned himself in to authorities six months later at the San Ysidro border crossing that connects San Diego to Tijuana.
U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted a checkpoint on Interstate 93 over the weekend, resulting in the arrests of 25 people who were in the country illegally.
The checkpoint drew Internet attention when a driver posted photos and a short video clip to Facebook.
During his time as a fugitive, Border Patrol officials called Valencia-Cortez one of San Diego's most risky human smugglers.
Such checkpoints have been taking place for years in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but are only legal within 100 miles of a US border.
Two Tucson residents were arrested after Border Patrol agents found two undocumented immigrants hiding in the trunk of their vehicle Thursday near Whetstone. Fourteen were from Columbia and had overstayed their visas. The two men in the trunk, both from Mexico were arrested and are being processed for immigration violations.
The Beecher Falls Border Patrol Station, authorized by the Woodstock Police Department, set up a checkpoint between Exits 30 and 31 on I-93.
In addition, agents recovered drugs and drug paraphernalia including 2 pounds of marijuana and smaller amounts of cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, and hash oil, according to the statement.
During one unsafe moment, a USA citizen bolted from the checkpoint and led police on a high-speed chase in a vehicle for 5 miles before coming to a stop, according to the statement. The driver was charged with reckless driving, possessing a controlled substance, and endangering the welfare of a minor. The Swanton Sector guards the land border at points of entry in Vermont, New Hampshire, and northeastern NY.
