CBP announces more than 40 arrests in maritime smuggling attempts off the coast of SoCal

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the arrests of more than 40 people in attempted maritime smuggling during a 24-hour period on the San Diego and Orange County coasts.

The cases occurred Sunday through Monday along the entire Southern California coastline, from Mission Bay to Newport Beach.

According to CBP, the first human smuggling incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Dana Landing in Mission Bay. Seven people were arrested, including four people who were smuggled, the boat’s captain and a crew member.

The second case, according to the CBP release, occurred just hours later, along the coast of Newport Beach, where 16 people were arrested after witnesses reported seeing them running from a boat; 22 life jackets were found next to the ship.

In the third incident, which happened around 4 a.m. Monday, 15 people were arrested after officers spotted a boat dropping them off near Beacons Beach in Leucadia.

The San Diego Sector Border Patrol and Air and Marine Branch made the arrests.

“As the winter months approach, these extremely dangerous smuggling routes can lead to injuries or even death,” said Chief Patrol Officer Patricia McGurk-Daniel. “Our message has been consistent: do not put your life in the hands of smugglers who promise you safe passage but who only have money and their own interests in mind.”

“Smugglers continually endanger migrants without regard for their safety,” said Brandon J. Tucker, director of Air and Marine Operations, San Diego Air and Marine Branch. “The ocean is one of the most dangerous routes to illegally enter the United States. Our officers are dedicated professionals who use cutting-edge technology and teamwork to protect our coastal and maritime regions.”

CBP says all arrested people were taken to local Border Patrol stations for processing.