Thread: CA: Predicted Surge Arrives Along Smuggler’s Corridor

Predicted Surge Arrives Along Smuggler’s Corridor

By: Anthony Brazos | Friday, March 18, 2011 11:43:00 AM
Last updated: Friday, March 18, 2011 11:43:00 AM

SAN DIEGO -- A surge of illicit activity along Smuggler’s Corridor predicted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Alan Bersin has begun.

The so-called Smuggler’s Corridor -- the nearshore expanse of water between Ensenada, Mexico and Orange County -- has experienced a steady increase in smuggling activities over the past three years. During that period, more than 100 smugglers’ boats, typically Mexican fishing skiffs called pangas, have been intercepted at sea or on beaches with cargoes of illegal immigrants or illicit drugs. Many more have eluded capture.

But during a Jan. 6 border inspection tour, Bersin cautioned Southern California boaters to expect an even more vigorous surge of illegal activities along Smuggler’s Corridor. Bersin explained to San Diego reporters that increased efficiencies along the land border from Texas to California would likely force Mexican drug cartels to increasingly turn to Smuggler’s Corridor. Drug cartels control virtually all smuggling activities along the Mexican border.

After a month-long lull in reported smuggling apprehensions that caused some along the waterfront to question Bersin’s prediction, the floodgates suddenly opened.

Shortly after midnight Feb. 7, Border Patrol agents working in conjunction with CBP Air and Marine Branch operatives noticed a vessel without running lights. The vessel motored across the international boundary and worked its way along the coastline.

The panga turned toward the beach just north of the Tijuana River mouth. As agents moved in, the boat briefly crossed the surf line, quickly disgorged several individuals and returned to Mexican waters. Border Patrol agents apprehended 14 suspected illegal immigrants and placed them under arrest.

The group included 13 Mexican nationals (two women and 11 men) and one Honduran man. They were transported to a local Border Patrol station for processing. The smuggler escaped with his panga.

Hours later, a land-based team of Border Patrol agents spotted an unlit panga motoring offshore near Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Agents coordinated an interdiction effort with Marine Corps military police and arrived at Camp Pendleton’s Red Beach at approximately 2:50 a.m., just in time to witness several people jump out of the boat. Agents approached and the group scattered, attempting to find concealment along the nearby cliffs.

Seventeen individuals -- 13 men and four women -- were arrested on suspicion of entering the country illegally. All were taken to a local Border Patrol Station for processing. The boat reportedly involved turned back to sea and was lost in the night.

That drug cartel smugglers increasingly turn toward the coastal waterways is a testament to improved border security, especially in the San Diego Sector, according to Chief Border Patrol Agent Paul Beeson.

“At the conclusion of fiscal year 2010, San Diego Sector reached its goal to establish effective operational control in 51 of the 60 land border miles within its area of responsibility,â€

so Alan Bersin,
you know this is happening. what are you doing about it

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