U.S. Coast Guard Detains 19 Mexicans Off Texas Coast and Seizes 2,200 Pounds of Fish
19 fishermen caught red-handed in U.S. waters off Texas with 2,200 pounds of illegal red snapper—Coast Guard cracks down! 🌐 #News #CorpusChristiTX #Texas #Crime
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – A routine patrol off the coast of Texas led to a significant bust for the U.S. Coast Guard on November 24, 2024, when they discovered a group of Mexican fishermen illegally fishing in U.S. waters. In a coordinated effort, the Coast Guard seized around 2,200 pounds of red snapper and detained 19 individuals involved in the operation.
Coordinated Effort to Halt Illegal Activity
The Coast Guard’s South Padre Island boat crews and Corpus Christi aircrews, in collaboration with partner agencies, responded quickly after detecting three fishing vessels in U.S. waters north of the Maritime Boundary Line.
These boats, known as lanchas, are often used for illegal fishing activities in the Gulf of Mexico. The crews were engaged in unauthorized fishing, and the Coast Guard swiftly intervened, securing the boats and the fish they had caught.
Lanchas: A Tool for Illegal Fishing and Smuggling
Lanchas are narrow, 20- to 30-foot fishing boats commonly used by Mexican fishermen. These vessels, typically equipped with a single outboard motor, are not only a primary tool for illegal fishing but are also frequently involved in smuggling operations.
Due to their design and agility, lanchas can evade detection and cross into U.S. waters with ease. The Coast Guard has been working to curb such illegal activity, which poses a threat to both local fisheries and U.S. national security.
Seizure and Detention of Fishermen
After stopping the lanchas, the Coast Guard discovered the illegal catch: nearly 2,200 pounds of red snapper, along with fishing gear and highflyers. The 19 detained fishermen were turned over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for further processing. The fish were seized as evidence, and the individuals face possible legal consequences for their actions in U.S. waters.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Texas | Mexico
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