Feds disrupt jet ski powered human smuggling network

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The Center Square

Federal authorities busted a human smuggling operation powered by jet skis along the California coast.

Nineteen alleged members of a human smuggling organization were charged for coordinating the smuggling of dozens of unauthorized migrants into the United States from Mexico, mostly aboard personal watercraft on the Pacific Ocean.

Nine of the 19 are in custody. A grand jury returned an indictment against 14 members and a complaint was filed against an additional five, according to the Justice Department. 

The nine arrested defendants were picked up at ports in San Diego during a multi-agency enforcement effort last week; the remaining defendants are fugitives.

 

Federal agents served court-authorized search warrants at suspected San Diego and Los Angeles stash houses. Agents seized over $100,000 in U.S. currency and two boxes of ammunition, in addition to more than $120,000 seized during the investigation.

"Human smuggling cases are a top priority because lives are at stake," U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California said. "Whether racing a jet ski up the coast without lifejackets or hauling a tractor trailer packed with people, smugglers expose vulnerable migrants to extreme danger and prioritize profit over human life."

The group took part in a long-running conspiracy to bring people from Mexico into the United States by land and sea. The group arranged for transport from Mexico by personal watercraft to coastal areas such as Sunset Cliffs, Bird Rock in La Jolla, and Imperial Beach, California. The smuggling operations took place at night and in dangerous conditions, according to the indictment and complaint.

Officials said the smugglers favor personal watercraft for their speed and ability to approach shore quickly, allowing rapid drop-offs and escape from authorities.