Critics of tighter immigration enforcement often portray opponents of unchecked illegal immigration as lacking compassion. But the dangers facing migrants—and the criminal networks profiting from their desperation—are frequently overlooked, including the trafficking and abuse reported during the Biden administration’s border policies.
The journey north can be deadly long before anyone reaches the United States. Migrants may become lost in remote deserts or jungles, die from dehydration, or suffocate in overheated vehicles. Those who rely on “coyotes,” or human smugglers, also risk robbery, kidnapping, assault and other violence at the hands of cartel-linked groups.
That human toll came into focus off Ensenada, Mexico, on the Baja California peninsula, roughly two hours south of San Diego. Eleven people believed to be Mexican nationals remained missing after a suspected smuggling boat overturned Friday. The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 16 others, several of whom reportedly suffered severe injuries consistent with shark attacks.
After more than two days of searching thousands of square miles of ocean, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its efforts on Sunday, October 18.
Reports indicated that 27 people were in the water after the vessel capsized approximately 140 miles west of Ensenada, off Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, on Friday, October 16.
The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the 11 people remain uncertain. However, accounts of survivors suffering serious injuries believed to be shark bites have raised questions about what occurred during the hours following the sinking.
Officials have not confirmed that sharks killed or consumed any of those still missing.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson said the disaster underscores the role of criminal organizations that exploit vulnerable migrants for profit:
Combating illegal immigration saves lives. Human smugglers put people in danger through murder, rape, robbery, kidnapping and drowning—all for profit. The rescue of 16 people from a sinking vessel off Ensenada is a stark reminder of these… https://t.co/bz8XS4JU8P
— Embajador Ronald Johnson (@USAmbMex) October 17, 2026
The rescue of 16 people from a sinking vessel off Ensenada highlights the dangers created by these criminal networks. I commend @USCG and @USNavy for responding quickly and continuing the search for those who remain missing. The criminal groups that profit from vulnerable people must continue to be confronted.
The accounts from the rescue scene were harrowing.
The 16 survivors were “holding onto each other, to debris, just treading and trying to stay above water before being rescued,” according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
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At least one survivor was treated for a suspected shark bite, while two others were listed in critical condition.
Gruesome shark attack details emerge after failed migrant smuggling attempt in California Coast pic.twitter.com/77Aj02wYX7
— New York Post (@nypost) October 20, 2026
The limited details have drawn comparisons to the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, which was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1945.
Eighty years ago, the USS Indianapolis sank, killing 880 people in the U.S. Navy’s worst sea disaster. Survivors faced sharks, dehydration and four days adrift. Only 316 lived, but their courage endures.
Read more below. 👇https://t.co/ldGDJRualc— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) August 3, 2025
Because of a communications failure, the Navy did not immediately report the Indianapolis missing. Roughly 900 sailors and crew members were left battling dehydration, exposure and salt poisoning—along with repeated shark attacks. The disaster is widely regarded as the deadliest shark attack on humans ever recorded. Just 316 people survived.
The tragedy later inspired one of cinema’s most famous monologues: Quint’s account of the disaster in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film Jaws.
The Democrats and their accomplices in the media will tell you that illegal immigration is just about good people trying to find a better life for their families. In some cases that might be true, but the entire process is riddled with corruption, evil, and humanitarian crises. President Trump was right to shut it down, and although there are still horrific incidents like this one, they’re now a rarity instead of the norm.
Remember that on November 3.
Editor’s Note: Thanks to President Trump, illegal immigration into our great country has virtually stopped. Despite the radical left’s lies, new legislation wasn’t needed to secure our border, just a new president.
Help us continue to report the truth about the president’s border policies and mass deportations. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
