Crime & Safety

4 Arrested After Suspected Maritime Smuggling Attempt Near La Jolla

Personnel at the Joint Harbor Operations Center detected a panga-style vessel traveling north from Mexico.

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https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/54855/20260729/071441/styles/patch_image/public/photo-1-us-border-patrol-arrests-four-after-maritime-smuggling-attempt-near-la-jolla-blurred___29185852854.png
Authorities transported the individuals to the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station for processing and seized the boat. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/54855/20260729/071441/styles/patch_image/public/photo-2-us-border-patrol-arrests-four-after-maritime-smuggling-attempt-near-la-jolla-blurred___29185853162.png
Authorities transported the individuals to the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station for processing and seized the boat. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

LA JOLLA, CA — Four people were arrested Tuesday after a suspected maritime smuggling attempt near Scripps Pier in La Jolla, authorities said.

Personnel at the Joint Harbor Operations Center detected a panga-style vessel traveling north from Mexico. U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to coastal enforcement operations responded and saw four people leave the boat near the pier before running from the area.

Agents established a perimeter and arrested all four individuals, who were identified as one Guatemalan national and three Mexican nationals.

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Authorities transported the individuals to the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station for processing and seized the boat. The investigation was ongoing.

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