11 arrested in border crossing by boat; 5 others sought (Orange County Register)

11 arrested in border crossing by boat; 5 others sought

By SONYA QUICK
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Published: July 2, 2011
Updated: July 3, 2011 9:25 a.m.

CRYSTAL COVE – Sixteen people tried to illegally cross into the United States from Mexico by boat Saturday, and five people are still at large.

This attempt is one of five migrant and drug cases seen in the past 72 hours when people crossed from Mexico to Southern California, said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Sean Arumae.

The border crossing involved a "panga" – a 20- to 25-foot powerboat. The 16 people landed at Moro Beach at 5 a.m. with U.S. Border Patrol pursuing them and the Coast Guard pursuing the boat, Arumae said.

Border Patrol was able to apprehend 11 people, who will be interviewed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and deported to Mexico.

Arumae said Border Patrol will continue to check known safeguard areas in Orange County for the other five people. The Coast Guard was unable to find the boat.

"They were able to escape under the cover of heavy fog and darkness," Arumae said.