Thread: Border Patrol agents detain 10 from panga boat in Del Mar

Border Patrol agents detain 10 from panga boat in Del Mar

Posted: 02/11/2013
Last Updated: 3 hours ago

DEL MAR, Calif. - A group of suspected illegal immigrants were detained by the Border Patrol Monday after the panga boat they were riding in was spotted in Del Mar.

Border Patrol agents were called to the area at about 3 a.m. when the boat was spotted off the glider port at Torrey Pines.

A San Diego police chopper was also called in to assist Border Patrol agents.
10News learned that Border Patrol agents found 10 people climbing the cliffs with flashlights. More people may have been on the boar, but managed to get away.

http://www.10news.com/news/border-patrol-agents-detain-10-from-panga-boat-in-del-mar-021113

8 hrs ago
Fox 5 San Diego

DEL MAR, Calif. — Eight suspected illegal immigrants and three U.S. citizens were detained early Monday when a panga landed in Del Mar.

Border Patrol agents spotted the boat heading north off the coast of Torrey Pines about 1:30 a.m., and several people were caught shortly afterward while climbing up cliffs with flashlights near 11th Street in Del Mar, Border Patrol officials said.

The panga was seized and its navigator was taken into custody, according to Border Patrol Agent Steven Pitts. Two vehicles found nearby were seized also, he said.

The detainees were being questioned at the Border Patrol station. Pitts said it was unclear if they would be deported voluntarily, formally deported or if they would face charges based on each person’s criminal history.

“We have increased consequences for individuals apprehended in the maritime smuggling environment,” Pitts said. “Because the maritime environment, or the ocean if you will, is so dangerous and unpredictable, we’re trying to prevent people from losing their life.”

Pitts said the three U.S. citizens would face criminal charges related to maritime smuggling.

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