Exclusive | Moment boat smuggling 14 illegal immigrants intercepted off Newport Beach in latest federal takedown
New bodycam footage shows the moment federal agents with guns drawn boarded a suspected human trafficking boat off the coast of Newport Harbor.The harrowing video from US Customs and Border Protection revealed Saturday’s interception of the vessel carrying 14 suspected illegal migrants from Mexico.The boat was taken into Newport Harbor and seized by authorities, with its passengers taken into custody. A previously deported illegal migrant, Mexican national Jose Miguel Castro‑Duenas, 44, was charged Tuesday with attempted transportation of illegal aliens and illegal reentry, the Department of Justice said.The action occurred Saturday around 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, when officers aboard a US Customs and Boarder Protection Interceptor Vessel spotted a suspicious fishing-type boat in the waters off the wealthy Orange County enclave.The high-speed Interceptor is shown speeding to the alleged traffickers’ vessel, which was disguised as a recreational fishing boat.“I got eight down here,” one CBP agent is heard saying while pointing a gun at the boat’s cabin.“We’re going to take one out at a time, and I’m going to stay right here,” the official adds, as a crowd of suspected illegal migrants emerges from a chamber below the small boat’s deck.The Interceptor is then seen racing into Newport Harbor with the captured boat, drawing the attention of those gathered for the annual Pacific Airshow, an event featuring US Air Force planes that draws massive crowds.Officers at a dock took all those aboard into custody.One passenger suffering from dehydration and seasickness was evaluated and cleared by emergency medical workers.Castro‑Duenas, who also uses the name Luis Enrique Santoyo‑Orozco, made an initial court appearance on October 5.
His arraignment was set for November 9.“This case reflects a brazen assault on the rule of law and the sovereignty of the United States, where a previously deported illegal alien smuggler unlawfully reentered our country an...