Nineteen Charged in Major Human Smuggling Operation Using Personal Watercraft

The accused allegedly transported migrants from Mexico to the U.S. via the Pacific Ocean, facing severe penalties if convicted.

• Nine of the nineteen accused are currently in custody, with the rest being fugitives.
• The organization allegedly charged between $7,000 and $16,000 per person smuggled.
• Federal agents seized over $220,000 and ammunition during enforcement operations.
• The smuggling routes included dangerous night-time trips to coastal areas in California.
• This case is part of a broader effort by Joint Task Force Alpha to combat human smuggling.

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Times of San Diego U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Department of Justice