U.S. Border Patrol Urges Migrants to Not Endanger Their Lives by Swimming Across U.S./Mexico Maritime Boundary Line

HI INDIA NEWS DESK

IMPERIAL BEACH, CA – U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents at the Imperial Beach Station have reported an increase in migrants illegally entering the United States by swimming through the Pacific Ocean. In May alone, there were five recorded incidents involving migrants swimming across the maritime boundary line. During these events, seven migrants were apprehended, while nine managed to swim back to Mexico before being caught.

The first incident occurred on May 3 when a scope operator observed five swimmers heading north along the Imperial Beach coastline. The U.S. Coast Guard responded, but the swimmers turned back upon realizing they had been spotted and swam back into Mexican waters.

On May 21, a swimmer was observed crossing the U.S./Mexico maritime boundary line approximately one mile offshore. Border Patrol agents searched for and apprehended the individual.

Another incident took place on May 24 when a Remote Video Surveillance System operator detected two swimmers crossing the maritime boundary line about 200 yards off the coast. Despite the response from the U.S. Coast Guard, the swimmers managed to swim back to Mexico.

Lastly, on May 25, two separate smuggling attempts occurred before sunrise. In the first event, a group of six swimmers was detected crossing the maritime boundary line. Later, the group was found on the shore about three miles north of the border. Four of the six swimmers were apprehended, while the other two returned to Mexico. The second event involved two swimmers detected by camera operators from the Joint Harbor Operations Center (JHOC). A Border Patrol unit responded and apprehended the two subjects who were found hiding in the rocks on the beach.

To address transnational maritime threats along the Southern California coast, the U.S. Border Patrol collaborates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies through the Regional Coordinating Mechanism (ReCoM). The ReCoM’s mission is to enhance homeland security by combating transnational crime along the coast. The JHOC serves as the tactical command center for the ReCoM and is located in San Diego.

All apprehended individuals were taken to the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station for processing, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Swimming has historically been a dangerous method of illegal entry into the United States. Migrants are exposed to the harsh forces and dangers of the ocean, putting their lives at risk. Smugglers often mislead migrants into believing that the journey will be short and easy, disregarding their physical condition and swimming abilities. Migrants usually swim at night to avoid detection, but this poses additional risks as the temperature drops, the water becomes frigid and rough, and dangerous rip currents are present along the coast near the border.

San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke emphasizes the extreme danger of swimming across the maritime boundary line, stating that smugglers show no regard for the lives they endanger. He urges migrants not to expose themselves or their families to the perils of the Pacific Ocean.

If you have any information about maritime smuggling or notice suspicious activity along the California coast, please contact the JHOC at 1-800-854-9834.