Federal authorities have charged five individuals in connection with a human smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of at least three migrants, including a 14-year-old boy from India. The incident also left his 10-year-old sister missing and presumed dead, while their father remains in a coma and their mother is hospitalized.
The tragic event unfolded on May 5, 2025, when witnesses reported an overturned panga boat on a beach in Del Mar, California. Rescue efforts by bystanders and San Diego Lifeguards led to the recovery of three bodies, including that of the boy identified as P.P.B. Four other individuals were rescued and hospitalized, among them P.P.B.’s parents. Initially, nine others were unaccounted for, including P.P.B.'s sister.
Authorities arrested two Mexican nationals, Julio Cesar Zuniga Luna and Jesus Juan Rodriguez Leyva, at the beach. They face charges of Bringing in Aliens Resulting in Death and Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain.
Later that day, Border Patrol agents conducting operations in Chula Vista identified vehicles connected to the smuggling incident. Following pursuits and investigations, they apprehended Melissa Jenelle Cota, Gustavo Lara, and Sergio Rojas-Fregosa—all Mexican nationals—and charged them with Transportation of Illegal Aliens. Rojas-Fregoso had previously been deported from the U.S.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon commented on the tragedy: “The drowning deaths of these children are a heartbreaking reminder of how little human traffickers care about the costs of their deadly business.” He emphasized commitment to justice for victims and accountability for traffickers.
Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Diego stated: “Human smuggling...is not only illegal but extremely dangerous." He highlighted efforts to dismantle criminal networks driven by greed alongside partners such as U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Van Demark and Edward Chang are prosecuting this case.
