Newport Harbor authorities intercept third suspected human smuggling boat in one month

Authorities intercepted a suspected human smuggling vessel in Newport Harbor on Saturday afternoon, marking the third such incident in the area within a single month. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection interceptor vessel captured the fishing-type boat in ocean waters outside Newport and brought it to a dock.

Federal officials reported that 14 people were aboard the vessel, including 11 men, two women, and one young boy, all of whom claimed to be Mexican nationals. All passengers were turned over to U.S. Border Patrol. At least two suspects were detained by agents at the dock, and the vessel was seized by authorities.

The interception occurred during the annual Pacific Airshow, drawing significant attention from crowds in the area. This incident follows two previous suspected smuggling attempts in the same location on September 5 and September 19.