A failed engine, an overcrowded fishing boat, and the removal of life jackets preceded a fatal attempt to reach the California coast. The incident, which took place near Del Mar in May 2025, has now resulted in federal prison sentences for two Mexican men.
Jesús Iván Rodríguez Leyva, 28, and Julio César Zúñiga Luna, 32, will each serve 70 months in prison for their involvement in the human smuggling operation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California announced the sentences on November 9.
The crossing ended with four deaths among the 19 people aboard: two Mexican adults and two children from India, ages 10 and 14.
A Dangerous Crossing From Popotla to California
The journey began on May 5, 2025, when the two men departed from Popotla, Mexico, with 19 migrants aboard a panga, including three minors.
The boat was not equipped for the crossing. It was overloaded, lacked navigation lights and a radio, and did not have the necessary safety conditions for its passengers.
Engine trouble interrupted the trip, forcing the operators to return to their departure point for a quick repair. Afterward, they headed toward the United States again.
As they approached Del Mar, the passengers were reportedly told to take off their life jackets. According to court documents, the plan was for them to leave the boat and run toward vehicles supposedly waiting on shore.
That plan never materialized. Approximately 200 yards from land, the engine failed again, and the boat capsized in the waves.
Search and Rescue Efforts Revealed the Full Death Toll
The incident was recorded by people in the area, who alerted authorities. A joint response followed, involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Border Patrol, Homeland Security investigators, and local lifeguards.
Four migrants were found alive on the beach and taken for medical treatment. Rescuers also recovered three bodies, including that of a child.
The fourth victim was identified several days later. On May 21, authorities found a human foot near Torrey Pines State Beach. DNA testing established that it belonged to a 10-year-old boy who had been traveling aboard the panga.
The investigation ultimately documented four fatalities: two Mexican adults and two Indian children, ages 10 and 14. The two operators have now been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for their participation in the operation.
