California Town Considers Installing Cameras to Monitor Migrant Boat Arrivals
City councilors of San Clemente have requested staff to engage with federal authorities regarding their plan. The number of boat arrivals is reportedly increasing as the U.S. tightens its enforcement on land crossings.
In response to a recent increase in smuggled migrants arriving on the shores of Southern California via fishing boats, one coastal city is considering the installation of infrared cameras and potentially allowing public monitoring of the beaches at night.
Mayor Steven Knoblock brought this matter to the city councilors on Tuesday, urging City Manager Andy Hall to contact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“It’s clear why they are coming through here,” Loeffler stated. “It seems logical that federal immigration enforcement agencies would consider installing cameras in this area.”
The boats involved—typically unlicensed pangas, which are small, outboard-powered vessels often used for fishing—are regularly abandoned as the occupants disperse into the community, according to Knoblock.
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“The number of individuals arriving via pangas is increasing,” he remarked. “Identifying them is crucial. This poses a significant public safety concern.”
Migrants aboard the boats face risks of drowning if the vessels capsize, particularly in the final moments of their journey, as highlighted by the city manager.
Hall recounted that Imperial Beach, California, located on the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego, previously implemented a similar surveillance initiative during his management there.
During that time, a panga capsized resulting in the drowning of all 15 individuals onboard, he disclosed.
Knoblock proposed the potential installation of three thermal imaging cameras at strategic locations including the city pier and both northern and southern neighborhoods.
He also expressed the desire for the public to access the live feed from the cameras during nighttime hours after lifeguards have departed the area.
“I believe this would greatly benefit our community, enabling residents to monitor their surroundings,” he stated.
The Rip Curl WSL Finals of Lower Trestles surf spot in San Clemente, Calif., on Sept. 8, 2023. City officials are exploring the idea of installing infrared cameras to enable public monitoring of nighttime migrant boat arrivals.John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Councilman Zhen Wu mentioned that while the city lacks the funds for camera purchases, he supports the concept.
“If U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, has available funding, or if U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) wishes to install cameras on city property, I would be amenable to that,” Wu expressed.
The councilors also agreed to include contact information on the city’s website for residents to reach federal agencies if they observe any boat landings.
Some community members raised concerns about public access to the live camera feed, but the mayor emphasized that the initiative would function similarly to a neighborhood watch program.
On January 25, a boat carrying migrants capsized close to a San Diego beach, resulting in around 20 individuals ending up in the ocean as lifeguards and surfers raced to their rescue.
This incident marked the second boat found smuggling migrants into the county that same day, according to the city.
The Border Patrol has not responded to inquiries regarding the city’s proposed plan.