Border Patrol Agents Arrest 4, Seize Boat In Maritime Smuggling Attempt In California

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Border Patrol agents arrested four people who landed on a Southern California beach in an alleged smuggling vessel.

On July 28, Joint Harbor Operations Center personnel detected a panga-style vessel traveling north from Mexico toward the United States. San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents working coastal enforcement responded to the area.

The vessel landed near Scripps Pier in La Jolla, and agents spotted four individuals disembarking before fleeing on foot. Agents apprehended all four people, described as one Guatemalan national and three Mexican nationals.

The suspects were transported to the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station for processing and their boat was seized.

“Maritime smuggling organizations continue to place individuals in dangerous situations while attempting to circumvent our nation’s border security measures,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre. “Our agents remain vigilant along the coastline, and this incident highlights the importance of rapid response and coordination to address maritime smuggling attempts.”

CBP said the investigation is ongoing.