Twenty-nine Mexican nationals were charged with immigration crimes after federal authorities stopped a panga boat about 10 miles south of the Channel Islands archipelago, according to an April 20 announcement from the Justice Department.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address unauthorized entry into the United States by sea. The charges include five defendants accused of entering the country illegally following deportation or removal, which carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. The remaining 24 face charges of improper entry by an alien, with a potential penalty of up to two years in prison.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaints, federal law enforcement intercepted the vessel on April 18 near San Nicolas Island. All individuals aboard were found without proper documentation and identified as Mexican nationals. Authorities transported the group to Newport Beach for processing at the San Clemente Border Patrol Station.
Among those charged is Ismael Angeles-Guerrero, who was previously arrested in Marion County, Indiana, for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and other offenses before being removed to Mexico earlier this year. Another defendant, Faustino Arguello, has been previously processed for removal multiple times at border locations in Arizona and Texas and was arrested last month at San Ysidro Port of Entry but not convicted before his latest removal.
"A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law," said officials in the release.
Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are leading the investigation with support from the United States Coast Guard. Assistant United States Attorney Monika L. Hara is prosecuting this case.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California serves more than 19 million residents across seven counties according to its official website. The office focuses on prosecuting federal criminal cases and handling civil matters for the government according to its official website. E. Martin Estrada has held the position of United States Attorney for this district according to its official website.
The office works closely with federal, state and local law enforcement partners to ensure public safety according to its official website, while also supporting community outreach through programs focused on victim assistance and public education according to its official website.
