Illegal Migration Surge Hits California Beaches: Expert Cites Criminals Among Influx

Clear Facts

• Illegal migration into the U.S. via California’s beaches has seen a significant rise, with attempts increasing from 308 in 2020 to 736 in 2023, according to recent reports.
• Most of these migrants are entering through the San Diego area, but an increasing number are making their way north to Santa Barbara County.
• Expert Rafael Fernandez de Castro suggests that most of the migrants smuggled into the U.S. by boat are likely those with previous deportations or criminal records.

California’s beaches have become a hotspot for illegal immigrants, a trend that has intensified under the current administration. According to recent reports, the number of attempts to enter the U.S. via boat in California has jumped drastically, from 308 in fiscal year 2020 to 736 in fiscal year 2023.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data reveals that most of these illegal entries are occurring through the San Diego area, but there is a noticeable migration trend towards the north, specifically Santa Barbara County.

“The big concern for us is we have absolutely no idea who these people are,” San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond stated in an interview.
“We have no idea what they are doing. They’re ghosts.”

Such uncertainty has led to heightened tensions, with federal agents arresting over 220,000 individuals in the San Diego area since Oct. 1, and nearly 8,000 arrests for illegal entry into the U.S. by sea since 2020.
Rafael Fernandez de Castro, director of the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California, San Diego, suggested that a significant portion of these migrants are likely Mexicans with prior deportations or criminal records.

“They risk that, if they are seen by police, they will be immediately thrown out or even serve some time in jail,” Fernandez de Castro stated.

Desmond further criticized California, asserting that the state is “laying out the red carpet and welcome mat for illegal immigrants to cross the border.” His censure was directed towards a 2017 law limiting the circumstances under which local officers can cooperate with federal immigration partners.

However, a spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom countered Desmond’s claims, stating that local authorities may still collaborate with federal agencies in dealing with serious criminals.
The spokesperson emphasized the need for Congress to pass border security legislation and asylum reform.

The surge in illegal immigration has been visually documented, with numerous boat smuggling attempts captured on video and shared on social media platforms.
These videos often show migrants disembarking and fleeing to waiting vehicles, demonstrating their determination and brazenness.

“It’s becoming more obvious that they don’t care if they are seen,” independent journalist Britt Mayer, who covers the issue in the San Diego area, stated in an interview.
This increasing visibility of illegal immigration underscores the urgency of implementing effective immigration and border security measures.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source