Crime & Safety

13 Arrested After Smuggling Boat Spotted off Ponto Beach

Border Patrol agents conducting surveillance early Monday morning spot a panga-style boat.

Border Patrol agents arrested 13 Mexican nationals when a human smuggling boat was intercepted off a beach at the south end of Carlsbad early Monday.

Border Patrol agents were conducting surveillance along the coastline and spotted the panga-style boat as it approached Ponto Beach just after 2 a.m., according to Border Patrol spokesman Michael Jimenez.

The boat stayed in shallow water as some passengers jumped out and waded
toward the shore, Jimenez said. Seven men, three women and a 13-year-old boy were apprehended on the beach, he said.

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They were arrested for suspicion of being in the country illegally and will be deported, Jimenez said.

The two suspected smugglers remained in the boat, which then turned to head south, Jimenez said. Agents in a patrol boat stopped the panga and arrested the two suspected smugglers.

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-City News Service


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