Mexico singer Pepe Aguilar's son held for people smuggling

  • Published
Four Chinese migrants crammed into the boot of Mr Aguilar's car (14/03/2017)Image source, US Customs and Border Protection
Image caption,
Customs officials say the four migrants paid Mr Aguilar to be smuggled to the US

The son of the popular Mexican singer Pepe Aguilar has been arrested in California for people smuggling.

US customs officials say Jose Aguilar was arrested by federal agents who found four illegal migrants from China in the boot of his car.

The lawyer representing Mr Aguilar, Jeremy Warren, said the case had nothing to do with the famous singer.

"Jose Aguilar is a young man who will address this matter in court, not with the press," he said.

The arrest took place two weeks ago - but details, including Jose Aguilar's involvement, emerged on Friday.

US Customs and Border Protection said Mr Aguilar was arrested at the border in San Diego after a sniffer dog alerted federal agents to the stowaways in the boot of his car.

The migrants reportedly said they had agreed to pay Mr Aguilar between $3,000 and $60,000 (£2,390 and £47,830) to be smuggled into the US.

Mr Aguilar, who is a US citizen, was released on bail pending his arraignment.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Pepe Aguilar has won several Grammy awards

His father, Pepe Aguilar, is one of Mexico's most popular mariachi singers.

He has won four Grammy awards and four Latin Grammy awards and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.