A 26-year-old San Diego man is facing serious federal charges after authorities say he tried to sneak 17 exotic birds across the U.S.-Mexico border, risking their lives in the process.
The Smuggling Attempt at San Ysidro Port of Entry
Ricardo Alonzo was stopped on May 4 at the busy San Ysidro Port of Entry, where Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 17 birds hidden inside four bags tucked under a seat in his vehicle. The birds included 10 Burrowing Parakeets, five Yellow-Crowned Amazon Parrots, and two Red-Lored Amazon Parrot chicks.
Tragically, the two Red-Lored Amazon chicks did not survive the ordeal. The surviving birds were taken to a quarantine facility managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to receive proper care.
False Declaration Raises Suspicion
When questioned by officers, Alonzo reportedly claimed he only had two chickens to declare. However, the birds were very much alive — making noise and not sedated — making it clear they were hidden deliberately. The lack of proper import permits and documentation further raised red flags.
Officials believe it’s unlikely Alonzo was unaware of the birds’ presence, especially since they were audible during the inspection process.
A Growing Concern: Another Recent Bird Smuggling Case
This case is not isolated. Just weeks earlier, another man was charged after attempting to smuggle 12 Orange-Fronted Parakeets across the border through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Authorities say the birds were stuffed inside the man’s boots and car seat, tied up and wrapped in pantyhose in an effort to conceal them.
Unfortunately, some of those parakeets died, one suffered a likely broken neck, and many were found in poor condition.
Why Bird Smuggling Is a Serious Crime
Smuggling protected birds is illegal because it threatens wildlife populations and often causes cruelty and suffering to the animals involved. Many of these exotic birds are endangered or protected by international laws.
Federal agents are working hard to stop such crimes at border crossings, but smugglers continue to use creative—and dangerous—methods to move these animals.
Facing the Consequences
Both Ricardo Alonzo and the other man from the previous incident face charges of illegal importation. If convicted, they could face serious legal penalties including fines and imprisonment.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to urge the public to report any suspected wildlife trafficking and reminds travelers of the importance of declaring all animals and obtaining proper permits when crossing international borders.
Protecting Wildlife and Enforcing the Law
These cases highlight the challenges authorities face in protecting endangered species and enforcing laws designed to prevent illegal wildlife trade. The health and safety of the animals, as well as environmental conservation, depend on strict adherence to these regulations.
Final Thoughts
Smuggling birds not only puts precious wildlife at risk but also breaks the law in ways that harm global efforts to protect vulnerable species. It’s a reminder that illegal trafficking carries consequences for both people and animals alike.
“This article was written by Mathew Owen. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.”
