Four Mexican fishermen have pleaded guilty to illegally transporting red snapper from U.S. waters, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The individuals, Jose Daniel Santiago-Mendoza, Miguel Angel Ramirez-Vidal, Jesus David Luna-Marquez, and Jesus Roberto Morales-Amador, admitted to the unlawful transportation of approximately 315 kilograms of red snapper.
The incident occurred on April 16 when the crew departed from Playa Bagdad, Mexico, in a vessel without running lights. They entered the Exclusive Economic Zone in U.S. waters and deployed about four miles of longline with roughly 1,200 hooks. This activity took place approximately 18 miles north of the Maritime Boundary Line with Mexico and around 25 miles east of South Padre Island.
Upon apprehension by authorities, the crew was found with approximately 693 pounds of red snapper and four sharks. Despite knowing the risk of seizure if caught in U.S. waters, they proceeded due to limited red snapper availability in Mexican waters. The catch had an estimated retail value exceeding $9 thousand.
Ramirez-Vidal had been arrested previously on 28 occasions for illegal fishing activities. The other members also had similar prior arrests.
Sentencing for Ramirez-Vidal is scheduled for August 13 under U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera’s jurisdiction. Santiago-Mendoza, Luna-Marquez, and Morales-Amador are also awaiting sentencing hearings where each could face up to five years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations; Coast Guard Investigative Services; Coast Guard Station SPI; Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Texas Parks and Wildlife; and South Padre Island Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Hagen is leading the prosecution effort.
This case represents a shift in policy regarding U.S marine resource protection as commercial fishermen caught violating the Lacey Act now face fines and imprisonment rather than merely having their catch seized or vessels destroyed before being released back to Mexico.
