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LAX tightens security after alleged smuggling

September 05, 2008|Dan Weikel, Times Staff Writer

The six passengers, all without luggage, were believed to have arrived on Mexicana Flight 112 from Guanajuato, Mexico.

Court records state that on Aug. 9, immigration agents observed Canchola escorting four adults and one infant, who had arrived from Mexico, onto and off an elevator in the terminal.


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Authorities arrested Canchola on Aug. 23 after he guided five illegal immigrants through the airport, court documents state.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and the U.S. attorney's office declined to comment on the case Thursday because the investigation is ongoing.

Despite Canchola's arrest, Fitch said that security remains "robust" at LAX and that law enforcement officials regularly assess security measures.

State officials have described LAX as the top potential target for terrorists in California.

"You depend on the constant evolution of security practices," Fitch said. "You look for things you can do to prevent these types of things from happening."

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dan.weikel@latimes.com

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