David Alfonso Barrera Nunes, Human Smuggling, California 2025

Two Charged in Human Smuggling Event that Led to Four Deaths

In a tragic incident, at least four people lost their lives after a smuggling boat capsized off Imperial Beach in San Diego, California, on November 14, 2025. David Alfonso Barrera Nunes, a Mexican national believed to be the captain of the smuggling boat, has been charged with Bringing in Aliens Resulting in Death and Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain in federal court.

Nunes was arrested on Saturday and is scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing on Friday at 9 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge David Leshner.

A second man, Luis Enrique Barreto Goitia, a Mexican national who was a passenger on the panga, was also charged for being a removed alien who again entered the United States illegally. He was most recently removed from the United States on November 3, 2025, and was first removed from the U.S. in 2012.

According to the complaint, the smuggling boat capsized in six-foot waves off Imperial Beach, with nine people aboard, including four who perished and five who were rescued, detained, or both. The five survivors were transported to a hospital for treatment.

The incident has highlighted the dangers of maritime smuggling and the callous disregard of smugglers for human life. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stated, Bad weather, rough seas, a dangerous and overloaded vessel - these were all risks that smugglers were willing to disregard in their desire for profit.

San Diego Sector Chief Border Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre added, This event underscores the very real danger and consequences of crossing the border illegally. The incident has led to a renewed call for accountability and an end to the senseless loss of life at the hands of human smugglers.

Defendant: David Alfonso Barrera Nunes
Criminal Charges: Bringing in Aliens Resulting in Death and Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain
City and State: San Diego, California
Exact Date: November 14, 2025
Sentence or Outcome: Currently in custody awaiting detention hearing on Friday at 9 a.m.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/two-charged-human-smuggling-event-led-least-four-deaths