Two Nepalis attempting to enter the United States without visas via a panga from the San Diego area of California were arrested. Air and Marine Operations (AMO), an operational component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), arrested a total of nine individuals, including the two Nepalis, late at night off the California coast.
On Tuesday night, at approximately 9:30 p.m., an AMO Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft, conducting a border security mission off the California coast, detected a panga heading toward the Maritime Boundary Line (MBL). The aircrew surveilled the panga while coordinating with an AMO Coastal Interceptor Vessel (CIV).
Just after midnight on March 5, the panga crossed the MBL, and the aircrew vectored the CIV to intercept it. Initial attempts to heave the panga were ignored by its crew. “After exhausting all avenues to stop the vessel, Marine Interdiction Agents moved into position and deployed disabling rounds to successfully stop the panga,” a CBP Press Officer said.
The vessel was carrying two Nepalis, two Mexicans, four Brazilians, and one Chinese national. All nine individuals were taken into custody. The nine adult males were transported to shore for processing. The San Diego Air and Marine Branch seized the panga for violating U.S. law 8 U.S.C. 1324, according to a CBP Press Officer.
Under this statute, it is a crime to knowingly bring or attempt to bring foreign nationals into the United States outside designated entry points, transport them within the country while knowing or recklessly disregarding their illegal presence, harbor or shield them from detection, or encourage or induce their illegal entry or residence. Conspiring to commit such acts or aiding others in doing so is also a separate offense.
Penalties depend on the nature of the violation. A standard offense may result in fines or up to five years in prison per individual involved. If committed for financial gain or involving a criminal foreign national, the punishment ranges from a minimum of three years to a maximum of ten years for a first or second offense. If a death occurs, the penalty can extend to life imprisonment.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
