BREAKING: Federal court records reveal a Mexican national previously convicted of human smuggling was allegedly waiting near the Balboa Fun Zone on Oct. 3 to pick up migrants arriving by boat when he was arrested by Border Patrol.

Investigators say the man admitted he had already made multiple pickups tied to Newport Harbor smuggling operations, including one linked to an abandoned panga discovered near the Fun Zone in September.

According to court documents, the smuggling organization allegedly provided him a vehicle and cell phone, and he said each pickup reduced an $18,000 debt from his own illegal boat crossing by $1,000.

That same day, authorities intercepted a vessel carrying 14 Mexican nationals off Newport Beach. Federal prosecutors have charged him with attempted transportation of undocumented immigrants and illegal re-entry after deportation.

@police_frequency