Smuggling Boats Intercepted Off California Coast

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), alongside the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), recently arrested 60 individuals aboard three smuggling vessels off the California coastline.

According to CBP, the air and sea operations crew had been actively working since April 17. Their first encounter involved a 24-foot boat near San Clemente Island, where they found 13 individuals, comprised of seven men, six women, and a juvenile. The boat was subsequently taken to Ballast Point Naval Base for processing.

On April 18, they intercepted another vessel located around 80 nautical miles southwest of San Diego. The AMO Long Beach Marine team, in collaboration with a USCG Rapid Response Officer, apprehended 29 people on board this second vessel near San Nicolas Island. The Mexican national onboard was also taken into custody and the boat was escorted to Newport Harbor before being handed over to U.S. Border Patrol.

A third incident occurred on April 21, involving a 25-foot cabin boat carrying 18 Mexican nationals. This vessel had reportedly been spotted near Mexico’s Ensenada coast prior to its interception. The USCG Cutter Terrell Horne transported this group for processing by U.S. Border Patrol.

Many of the 60 apprehended individuals have criminal backgrounds that include charges like driving under the influence, felony hit-and-run, and drug trafficking, among others.

“These incidents highlight the lengths to which dangerous criminals will go to evade authorities, even taking to perilous and overcrowded vessels at sea,” stated Hunter Robinson, AMO Southwest Regional Director. “Their actions pose significant risks to lives. Our team is committed to intercepting such threats far from our shores to safeguard our communities.”