Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem is calling for the death penalty for two Mexican nationals charged with human smuggling after a boat capsized off the coast of San Diego, resulting in three deaths and leaving seven others missing.
“Noem explained, “Yesterday, off the coast of southern California, a panga-style boat capsized, operated by Mexican nationals attempting to smuggle 14 individuals into the U.S. Tragically, three were killed and seven are still missing.”
Noem emphasized that the deaths were preventable and directly caused by the smugglers’ greed and indifference. “Maritime smuggling is not just illegal—it is violent and inherently dangerous,” she stated. “Those who knowingly place lives at risk must be held fully accountable.”
Noem announced she would request the death penalty under the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Federal Death Penalty Act. “I will formally request the Attorney General ensure these smugglers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Noem added, urging the Attorney General to seek the death penalty.
DHS confirmed that U.S. Customs and Border Protection and local authorities responded to the overturned boat on May 5, which had washed ashore near San Diego.
The boat had 14 adults and two minors on board. The deceased were identified as Indian nationals. Two surviving individuals, Mexican nationals Julio Cesar Zuniga Luna, 30, and Jesus Juan Rodriguez Leya, 36, were detained on suspicion of smuggling.
Three others were later arrested for their role in the smuggling attempt, which led to the deaths of at least three people, including a 14-year-old boy from India. His 10-year-old sister is still missing and presumed dead. The child’s parents are hospitalized.
Noem stressed that the incident highlights the deadly risks of human smuggling at sea. Authorities also uncovered vehicles connected to the event and successfully arrested the drivers involved, rescuing eight of the nine missing migrants. The 10-year-old girl remains unaccounted for.
