Offices of the United States Attorneys
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Panga Boat Pilot Sentenced in Human Smuggling Event that Killed Five09/04/2026 08:00 AM EDTSAN DIEGO – David Alfonso Barrera Nunes, pilot of a smuggling boat that capsized off Imperial Beach in rough surf last year, resulting in the deaths of five undocumented immigrants, was sentenced in federal court today to 57 months in prison.
On November 14, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents were notified of a small vessel crossing north from Mexico, heading towards Imperial Beach.
Attempts to intercept the vessel were unsuccessful because dense fog significantly limited visibility.
About an hour later, agents saw a small boat in the water, with several people emerging from the area.
The boat soon capsized.
You are subscribed to U.S. Attorneys News news updates. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
Panga Boat Pilot Sentenced in Human Smuggling Event that Killed Five09/04/2026 08:00 AM EDTSAN DIEGO – David Alfonso Barrera Nunes, pilot of a smuggling boat that capsized off Imperial Beach in rough surf last year, resulting in the deaths of five undocumented immigrants, was sentenced in federal court today to 57 months in prison.
On November 14, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents were notified of a small vessel crossing north from Mexico, heading towards Imperial Beach.
Attempts to intercept the vessel were unsuccessful because dense fog significantly limited visibility.
About an hour later, agents saw a small boat in the water, with several people emerging from the area.
The boat soon capsized.
Panga Boat Pilot Sentenced in Human Smuggling Event that Killed Five
09/04/2026 08:00 AM EDT
SAN DIEGO – David Alfonso Barrera Nunes, pilot of a smuggling boat that capsized off Imperial Beach in rough surf last year, resulting in the deaths of five undocumented immigrants, was sentenced in federal court today to 57 months in prison.
On November 14, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents were notified of a small vessel crossing north from Mexico, heading towards Imperial Beach.
Attempts to intercept the vessel were unsuccessful because dense fog significantly limited visibility.
About an hour later, agents saw a small boat in the water, with several people emerging from the area.
The boat soon capsized.
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GovDelivery is providing this service on behalf of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW · Washington, DC 20530 · 202-514-2000 and may not use your subscription information for any other purposes.
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