Boat Overturns In OC Surf, 14 Illegal Immigrants Detained
NEWPORT BEACH (CBS) — Federal agents were waiting for 14 would-be immigrants when their boat overturned in the surf at Crystal Cove State Park before dawn Tuesday.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent were waiting for a northbound panga, tracked by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, when the flat-bottomed fishing boat overturned about 5 a.m., ICE spokeswoman Virginia Kice said.
"Fortunately, no one was killed or seriously hurt," Kice said.
All 14 people taken into custody were Mexicans, Kice said. A 15th person got away, she said.
Even farther north, authorities picked up 15 would-be immigrants on Santa Cruz Island this past weekend.
"We've seen a significant surge in maritime smuggling in the last year or so," Kice said.
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