Nine Mexican nationals, including an unaccompanied minor, were taken into custody on January 23 after allegedly attempting to enter the U.S. illegally through Dana Point Harbor, according to U.S. Border Patrol officials.
Authorities were alerted to the suspected smuggling operation at approximately 4:10 p.m. when the Maritime Coordination Center flagged unusual activity. U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Air and Marine Operations responded, seizing the vessel involved in the incident.
For longtime Dana Point residents, the event was an unusual sight.
“You know Dana Point Harbor, it’s a quiet little harbor—we’ve never seen anything like this,” said Donna Kalez, owner of Dana Wharf Sport Fishing and Whale Watching.
Kalez, who was working at her shop that afternoon, described the scene as the boat docked at her facility.
“They pulled up right here to dock two and came up the ramp,” Kalez told KTLA’s Chip Yost. “They walked up and exited right here.”
According to Kalez, about a dozen individuals initially left the area before law enforcement located and detained the remaining nine aboard the boat.
Local Officials Call for More Community Involvement
While this type of smuggling event is not unheard of in Orange County, the incident has prompted concern from local leaders. San Clemente Mayor Steve Knoblock plans to address the issue at the upcoming city council meeting, citing multiple similar cases in recent months.
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Knoblock emphasized the need for greater community involvement, particularly in light of local law enforcement restrictions.
“The county sheriff’s department is currently limited in its ability to assist Border Patrol agents,” Knoblock said. “But private citizens can still help.”
Authorities are urging the public to report suspicious maritime activity to the Joint Harbor Operations Center at 1-800-854-9834 Ext 1.
Mayor Knoblock also suggested the formation of a citizen patrol to serve as an extra set of eyes along the coast.
“As these pangas head toward the beach, we need a direct hotline to immigration officials,” Knoblock explained. “That way, local Border Patrol agents can intercept these individuals as they come ashore.”
Investigation Continues
As of Monday, no additional arrests had been made in connection with the Dana Point Harbor case. U.S. Border Patrol agents confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.
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