Two Charged in Human Smuggling Event that Led to at Least Four Deaths

SAN DIEGO – David Alfonso Barrera Nunes, a Mexican national believed to be the captain of a smuggling boat that capsized off Imperial Beach in rough surf over the weekend, was charged in federal court today in connection with the deaths of four passengers.

Barrera Nunes was arrested Saturday and charged today with Bringing in Aliens Resulting in Death and Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. A detention hearing is scheduled for 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. He was first removed from the U.S. in 2012.

According to the complaint, at about 11:30 p.m. on November 14, 2025, Border Patrol Agents were notified of a small vessel crossing the international maritime boundary between Mexico and the United States. About an hour later, Border Patrol Agents responded to Imperial Beach and spotted a vessel that had capsized in six-foot waves, with several people emerging from the water.

Nine people were believed to be aboard the boat, including four who perished and five who were rescued, detained or both. The five survivors were transported to a hospital for treatment.

Passengers told harrowing stories about their ordeal.

One man, who had been trapped inside the cabin below deck when the boat overturned, found a pocket of air and was able to breathe while the boat was submerged with him and several others inside. He was able to exit the cabin after Border Patrol agents flipped the boat over. He said he doesn’t know how to swim and believed that he was going to drown. Somehow, he said, he was able to reach the shore where he was aided by Border Patrol agents.

The complaint quoted several passengers who said the boat experienced engine problems, leading to an argument between the captain and passengers who urged him to return to Mexico. The captain refused and attempted to reach shore despite having no engine power, causing the vessel to rotate in the waves and capsize.

According to the complaint, the captain was the second to make it to shore. He never attempted to rescue his passengers.

One passenger told agents he was reluctantly accompanying his granddaughter on the voyage. He said that before the vessel capsized, the captain ordered everyone to jump into the water. The vessel then capsized; the grandfather and granddaughter were trapped inside the vessel. As it rolled, the grandfather was able to pull his granddaughter out, but he remained trapped. He said a piece of metal penetrated his leg, causing a severe injury. He believed he was going to die, he said, but when the vessel came to a stop, he was pulled out and rescued.

Three deceased adults were identified as Bartolo Baltazar Baltazar; Epifanio Molina Bravo; and Hector Lopez Lopez. The fourth remains unidentified.

“Bad weather, rough seas, a dangerous and overloaded vessel - these were all risks that smugglers were willing to disregard in their desire for profit,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Maritime smuggling is extremely dangerous, and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law every individual responsible for these preventable tragedies.”

“This event underscores the very real danger and consequences of crossing the border illegally,” said San Diego Sector Chief Border Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre. “The decision of this smuggling organization to carelessly risk the lives of everyone involved is truly inexcusable. We will ensure full accountability for anyone who chooses to violate our Nation’s laws.”

“This tragic incident underscores the inherent dangers of maritime smuggling and the callous disregard smugglers have for human life,” said HSI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Murphy. “Due to the exceptional work of the HSI San Diego Marine Task Force and our state, local, and federal partners who responded, lives were saved and those responsible for this tragedy are being held accountable. Together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to combat human smuggling and protect the safety and security of our communities.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Van Demark and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Lauricella.

DEFENDANTS                                          

Case Number 25mj6283-DDL

David Alfonso Barrera Nunes                             Age: 37                                  Mexico

Luis Enrique Barreto Goitia                                Age: 39                                   Mexico

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Bringing in Aliens Resulting in Death – Title 8, U.S.C., Sections 1324(a)(1)(A)(i), (v)(II), and (a)(1)(B)(iv)

Maximum penalty: Death or Life in Prison and $250,000 fine

(Barrera Nunes)

Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii)

Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison with a three-year mandatory minimum and $250,000 fine

(Barrera Nunes)

Deported Alien Found in the United States – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1326

Maximum penalty: Two years in prison and $250,000 fine

(Barreto Goitia)

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Homeland Security Investigations – Marine Task Force

U.S. Border Patrol

U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Air and Marine Operations

United States Coast Guard

Imperial Beach Fire-Rescue Department

Imperial Beach Marine Safety - Lifeguards

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office

*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.