Image for representation purposes only David Alfonso Barrera Nunes, pilot of a smuggling boat that capsized off Imperial Beach in rough surf last year, resulting in the deaths of five undocumented immigrants, was sentenced in federal court today to 57 months in prison. On November 14, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents were notified of a small vessel crossing north from Mexico, heading towards Imperial Beach. Attempts to intercept the vessel were unsuccessful because dense fog significantly limited visibility. About an hour later, agents saw a small boat in the water, with several people emerging from the area. The boat soon capsized. Shortly after people were seen emerging from the water near the boat, an agent saw an adult male run inland from the beach and climb over a jagged rock separating the beach from houses nearby. That person, later identified as Barrera, entered an enclosed backyard area. Barrera never attempted to rescue his passengers. Law enforcement scoured the area for survivors and decedents. Ultimately, they found four bodies in the surf. A fifth decedent washed up in the surf several days later and was identified as a co-pilot of the vessel. According to court documents, the defendant had agreed to pilot the boat in exchange for a reduced smuggling rate for himself. “This case is a reminder that there is no harmless way to participate in human smuggling: If you choose to play a role, you will be held accountable for your actions,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Transnational criminal organisations routinely place profit over human life, and this tragic case shows the devastating consequences of that callous disregard,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Kevin Murphy. “As part of the Homeland Security Task Force, HSI’s Marine Task Force and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue those who exploit vulnerable people, endanger our coastal communities, and contribute to deadly smuggling ventures.” “The loss of life in this incident