LA Airport Increases Security After Elevator Mechanic's Smuggling Arrest
After news that a 20-year elevator mechanic at Los Angeles International Airport allegedly smuggled more than a dozen illegal immigrants into the U.S., the airport is tightening its security measures.
Authorities say Roberto Amaya Canchola, 53, “smuggled in at least 15 illegal immigrants, including two with criminal records who had previously been deported. They suspect that he might be part of a larger smuggling ring that used him to gain access to restricted areas at LAX,” reports the Los Angeles Times.
According to court records, Canchola is accused of using his security clearance and a key to terminal elevators to help passengers arriving on Mexicana Airlines flights avoid immigration and customs checks, the newspaper writes.
Airport and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say security measures are being increased, but decline to specify how.
Canchola was released on a $100,000 bond, according to an earlier Times article, and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 15. He faces up to 10 years in prison, if he is convicted in the federal case.
His attorney declined to comment.
Updated at 12:34 p.m. to clarify references to illegal immigrants.
