Five charged following boat capsizing incident that resulted in three migrant deaths.

Five Mexican citizens have been charged following a tragic incident off the coast of San Diego, where a small boat carrying migrants capsized, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a 14-year-old boy from India. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California confirmed these developments in a statement, noting that the boy’s 10-year-old sister remains missing and is presumed dead. Their parents, who were also on board, sustained injuries and are currently hospitalized; notably, their father is in a coma.

This incident underscores the grave risks associated with human smuggling operations. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon expressed the deep sorrow surrounding the loss of the children, highlighting the indifference displayed by human traffickers toward the lives they endanger through their illicit activities. The statement conveyed a commitment to justice and accountability for those involved in this tragedy.

The capsizing was characterized by authorities as a human smuggling event and occurred near Del Mar beach on a recent Monday. Lifeguards on duty promptly initiated rescue operations upon noticing the sinking vessel, a response that was later supported by the U.S. Coast Guard and local sheriff’s deputies. U.S. Border Patrol reported that there were 16 individuals aboard when the unfortunate event took place.

Initial reports indicated that nine passengers were unaccounted for following the incident. However, authorities managed to locate eight of them in Chula Vista, approximately 30 miles away from the site of the capsizing.

The individuals charged in connection with this incident include Jesus Ivan Rodriguez-Leyva and Julio Cesar Zuniga-Luna, who were apprehended at the scene. They face serious charges related to human smuggling resulting in death and for financial profit. The Department of Homeland Security announced that Secretary Kristi Noem would request the Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty against the alleged smugglers, emphasizing the severity of their actions.

Noem categorized maritime smuggling as a violent crime that poses significant risks to human life. She asserted that those who compromise the safety of individuals for financial gain must face the full extent of the law. Alongside Rodriguez-Leyva and Zuniga-Luna, three additional suspects—Melissa Jennelle Cota, Gustavo Lara, and Sergio Rojas-Fregoso—were apprehended after fleeing the scene in a vehicle. They were subsequently charged with the transportation of illegal aliens.

The ongoing investigation reflects a broader concern regarding the dangers of human trafficking and smuggling operations, as authorities remain steadfast in their efforts to curtail these perilous activities and ensure justice for the victims involved.