(North County Beat) – In the past week, multiple incidents of suspected attempted smuggling have been reported along the beaches of San Diego County, heightening concerns about maritime border security. The incidents, including one during the bustling Fourth of July weekend in Mission Bay, underscore the persistent challenges faced by authorities in curbing illegal crossings via the sea.
According to federal officials, a suspected smuggling boat was observed landing in Mission Bay around 11 a.m. last Sunday, with migrants seen fleeing the vessel upon arrival. U.S. Customs and Border Protection subsequently apprehended eight individuals, who were then transported for processing and potential removal from the country. This was just one of several incidents reported since the previous Monday.
On July 1st, a video captured in Solana Beach at 8 a.m. depicted a Border Patrol agent investigating another beached boat suspected of involvement in smuggling activities. The exact number of individuals on board and whether any were detained remains unclear. Additionally, San Diego Fire-Rescue confirmed a separate incident near Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, underlining the widespread nature of the issue.
Pedro Rios, director of the American Friends Service Committee, expressed concern over the growing trend of maritime smuggling, suggesting that many of these landings are premeditated. “This is a dangerous phenomenon that has unfortunately become normalized over the years,” Rios remarked, emphasizing the risks associated with such crossings.
The recent surge in maritime smuggling incidents coincides with a broader increase highlighted by a viral video from Carlsbad three months ago, showing migrants fleeing a beach and boarding an SUV. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond pointed to this incident as indicative of a significant rise in maritime human smuggling, noting a 139% increase since 2020.
Authorities, however, have acknowledged the challenges in combating these activities. While efforts have historically intensified during holidays like the Fourth of July, recent years have seen a shift in resources. Despite no specific surge operations this year, CBP assured they are leveraging all available resources and partnerships to address transnational smuggling along California’s coast.
In a statement, CBP underscored their commitment to enhancing personnel, transportation, and humanitarian resources in high-risk border areas. The agency emphasized the need for swift and orderly processing of individuals to facilitate expedited removals, particularly in response to the activities of for-profit smuggling organizations.
