Migrant Smuggling Boat Intercepted Off Newport Beach
Federal agents apprehended 14 individuals aboard a vessel disguised as a fishing boat.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents intercepted a boat carrying 14 suspected illegal migrants off the coast of Newport Harbor, California, on Saturday. The vessel, disguised as a recreational fishing boat, was taken into custody, and its passengers were apprehended.
Video footage released by CBP shows agents with firearms drawn boarding the suspected human trafficking boat. The Interceptor vessel is seen speeding towards the smuggling boat before agents board and escort passengers off. The operation occurred around 1:30 p.m. as crowds gathered for the Pacific Airshow.
One of the passengers, identified as 44-year-old Mexican national Jose Miguel Castro-Duenas, also known as Luis Enrique Santoyo-Orozco, has been charged with attempted transportation of illegal aliens and illegal reentry. Authorities stated Castro-Duenas is a previously deported illegal immigrant who had allegedly resumed smuggling operations.
“This case reflects a brazen assault on the rule of law and the sovereignty of the United States, where a previously deported illegal alien smuggler unlawfully reentered our country and resumed smuggling operations in one of our coastal communities,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “We will not tolerate repeated violations of federal law or attempts to exploit our coastline as an entry point for illegal smuggling activity.”
Castro-Duenas made an initial court appearance on October 5, with his arraignment scheduled for November 9. One passenger received medical attention for dehydration and seasickness.
This incident marks at least the third such interception in Newport Harbor in under a month. Two weeks prior, a boat carrying suspected illegal migrants landed at a private dock, with its passengers abandoning the vessel and fleeing. Before that, a Coast Guard cutter intercepted a boat with 24 suspected illegal migrants.
Federal officials note an increase in sea-based smuggling attempts as border security tightens at the U.S.-Mexico border. Human trafficking organizations are believed to be behind these operations, with water routes being among the most expensive and perilous methods used to enter the country.