Border Agents STUNNED by SMUGGLING Attempt

A California man faces federal charges after Border Patrol agents found endangered parrots stuffed inside his boots and discovered more birds, some dead, hidden in his vehicle during a brazen wildlife trafficking attempt.

Key Takeaways

• Juandaniel Medina from Lindsay, California, has been charged with attempting to smuggle seven parrots through the San Ysidro Port of Entry, purchased for $700 with intent to breed and resell.
• Six of the confiscated birds were identified as Red-Lored Amazon Parrots and have been transferred to a U.S. Department of Agriculture quarantine facility.
• This case marks the third recent incident in San Diego involving the smuggling of protected exotic birds, highlighting a disturbing pattern of wildlife trafficking.
• Wildlife smuggling poses serious risks of introducing invasive species and diseases that threaten native wildlife, agricultural industries, and public health.
• U.S. legislation including the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (2014) and the END Wildlife Trafficking Act (2016) aims to combat the illegal wildlife trade.

Bizarre Smuggling Method Uncovered at Border

Border officials at the San Ysidro Port of Entry became suspicious when they noticed “unusual clothing bulges” around a man’s ankles during inspection. Their suspicions proved warranted when they discovered six parrots stuffed inside the smuggler’s boots. A further search of his vehicle revealed six additional parrots, two of which were already dead from the inhumane conditions. Juandaniel Medina, a 30-year-old man from Lindsay, California, now faces serious federal charges for wildlife trafficking after admitting he purchased the birds for $700 with intentions to breed and resell them for profit.

“The smuggling of birds is extremely dangerous. Birds can also be hosts for a variety of diseases that can threaten native wildlife and U.S. agricultural industries, potentially causing widespread economic consequences,” said San Diego Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki.

Pattern of Wildlife Trafficking at Southern Border

This disturbing case represents the third recent incident in San Diego involving the smuggling of protected exotic birds. Earlier cases included a San Diego man caught with 17 exotic birds hidden in his car and a Mexican citizen attempting to smuggle a dozen parakeets. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at San Diego Ports of Entry recently seized 28 parrots and 3 chickens in two separate wildlife smuggling attempts, demonstrating that wildlife trafficking remains a persistent problem at our southern border despite enforcement efforts.

“The illicit parrot trade reflects a broader crisis in wildlife protection — where profit outweighs preservation,” said San Diego U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon.

Serious Environmental and Health Threats

Beyond the cruelty to the animals themselves, wildlife smuggling presents substantial risks to American ecosystems and agriculture. Smuggled animals can introduce invasive species that disrupt local ecosystems, spread diseases to native wildlife, and potentially devastate agricultural industries. Six of the parrots in the Medina case were identified as Red-Lored Amazon Parrots, a protected species, and have been transferred to a U.S. Department of Agriculture quarantine facility for assessment and care while the legal case proceeds.

“Bird smuggling is not a victimless crime. These animals suffer, and the consequences to public health and the environment can be catastrophic,” said San Diego U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon.

Federal Response to Wildlife Trafficking Crisis

The United States has implemented significant legislation to combat wildlife trafficking, including the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (2014) and the END Wildlife Trafficking Act (2016). These laws strengthen enforcement against wildlife smugglers and establish consequences for those caught engaging in these illegal activities. Organizations like the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance and the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online are also working alongside government agencies to eliminate wildlife smuggling networks and protect vulnerable species from exploitation.

“Our officers remain vigilant in identifying and stopping wildlife trafficking and in coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and ensure traffickers are held accountable for their actions under current wildlife protection laws,” said San Diego Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki.