Mexicali – Former Director of General Services for Issstecali (Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Gobierno y Municipios del Estado), Fernando Luis Esquer Díaz, was detained by U.S. Authorities while attempting to smuggle 70 kilograms of methamphetamine, likewise known as crystal, concealed within his vehicle.
Esquer Díaz utilized the SENTRI trusted traveler program at the Mexicali-Calexico border crossing and stated he was traveling to San Diego, California, for shopping.
According to documents presented to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, Esquer Díaz was arrested on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 5:08 p.m., while driving a GMC Terrain with Baja California license plates.
Esquer Díaz used the SENTRI lanes to request entry into the United States from a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. When questioned, he did not disclose that he had crossed earlier that same day – a detail revealed by the CBP system – and maintained he was going to San Diego to shop.
Because Esquer Díaz allegedly misled the CBP officer, he was directed to a secondary inspection with a scanner. Anomalies were observed in the vehicle’s doors and trunk, prompting a search with a canine unit.
Agents then located 149 packages containing a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. The total weight of the packages was 69.86 kilograms, leading to Esquer Díaz’s arrest for importing a controlled substance and transfer to the El Centro Detention Center in California.
Esquer Díaz appeared before Judge Lupe Rodriguez Jr. On Thursday, February 26, 2026. He was represented by a public defender and did not require a Spanish translator. The judge ordered him detained without bail, with a subsequent hearing scheduled for March 12, later postponed to March 26 at the request of the defense.
During this period, Esquer Díaz retained private attorney Pedro Bernal Bilse, based in San Diego, California. Issstecali stated that Fernando Luis Esquer Díaz resigned from his position more than a year ago and is no longer employed by the organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Fernando Luis Esquer Díaz arrested?
Fernando Luis Esquer Díaz was arrested on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 5:08 p.m.
What was Esquer Díaz accused of smuggling?
Esquer Díaz was accused of smuggling 70 kilograms of methamphetamine, distributed in 149 packages.
What program did Esquer Díaz use to attempt entry into the United States?
Esquer Díaz used the SENTRI trusted traveler program.
As Esquer Díaz awaits his next court date on March 26, what impact will this case have on the scrutiny of individuals utilizing trusted traveler programs at the border?
