SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The son of world-renowned mariachi singer Pepe Aguilar was identified as the man accused of trying to enter the U.S. from Mexico with four Chinese citizens in the trunk of his car.
Border officers arrested 24-year-old Jose Aguilar on March 14 after his car was stopped at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, according to a federal complaint.
The complaint stated Aguilar, a U.S. citizen, entered the border crossing while driving a 2014 Chrysler 200. He "stated they were going to San Diego, California and had nothing to declare from Mexico."
However, a canine team dog alerted officers during an inspection, prompting officers to open the trunk.
Officers found three Chinese women and a Chinese man crammed in the trunk. The foursome, who were not legally allowed to enter the U.S., were placed on an immigration hold.
According to the complaint, each of the four people told authorities "they made their own smuggling arrangements and agreed to make a payment ranging from $3,000.00 to $60,000.00 if they successfully entered the United States."
Two of the people said they were going to Los Angeles, while the other two said they were going to New York, the federal complaint stated.
Jose Aguilar's attorney, Jeremy Warren, issued this statement to 10News regarding the allegations:
"We understand the interest in our client Jose Aguilar because of his father's musical career. However, this case has nothing to do with Pepe Aguilar. Jose Aguilar is young man who will address this matter in court, and not in the press.
We understand that Pepe Aguilar will provide a statement shortly. In the meantime, we ask that you respect the family's privacy."
