Today, Secretary Kristi Noem of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to request the Department of Justice to pursue alien smuggling charges and seek the death penalty against two Mexican nationals. These individuals are allegedly involved in a human smuggling operation that resulted in at least three deaths.
The incident occurred on May 5, 2025, when an overturned panga-style boat was reported by the North County Dispatch Joint Powers Authority in Torrey Pine, San Diego. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector San Diego responded with assistance from various DHS and local agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), United States Border Patrol (USBP), and San Diego Fire-Rescue. Interviews with survivors revealed that there were originally 16 people on board—14 adults and two minors. Two surviving individuals identified as Mexican nationals were detained on suspicion of smuggling illegal aliens into the United States. Three deceased individuals were recovered and identified as Indian nationals, while seven others remain missing.
Secretary Noem stated: “Yesterday, off the coast of southern California, a panga-style boat capsized that was operated by Mexican nationals attempting to smuggle 14 aliens into the U.S. Tragically, three people were killed and seven are still missing." She commended the efforts of all personnel involved in the response and investigation for their professionalism.
She emphasized that this tragedy highlights "the inhumanity and lethal danger inherent to human smuggling at sea," noting that such acts are capital crimes under both the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Federal Death Penalty Act. Secretary Noem intends to formally request swift prosecution for these suspected smugglers to ensure justice is served.
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