U.S. Citizen Fined $5K After Illegally Crossing Border In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — A U.S. citizen was fined $5,000 for illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border near Dulzura and arrested on an outstanding felony warrant, authorities announced.

U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered the man around 2 p.m. Oct. 15 near Mine Canyon after he crossed the border outside a designated port of entry, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The man initially claimed to be a U.S. citizen but had no identification. A records check confirmed his citizenship and revealed an active felony warrant issued by the Los Angeles Police Department in connection with an alleged domestic violence offense.

Federal officials imposed a $5,000 civil penalty for entering the country outside a designated port of entry, a violation of federal law.

The man was then turned over to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office for booking on the outstanding warrant.

His identity was not released.