Federal authorities carried out a weekend operation in Southern California waters that led to the arrest of 72 people attempting to enter the United States illegally by boat. The operation involved the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Coast Guard, and the U.S. Navy, targeting vessels allegedly used by human traffickers.
The detainees came from Mexico, Central and South America, and Africa. Officials said several had prior arrests for illegal reentry after deportation, DUI, firearm possession, domestic violence, grand theft, and resisting arrest. Authorities said the operation reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime surveillance and curb human trafficking along the Southern California coast.
On February 21, a CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) unit in San Diego intercepted three vessels near San Clemente Island carrying 36 people.
- The first vessel, southeast of San Clemente Island, surrendered after the AMO crew fired two warning shots. It carried 10 Mexican nationals, who were transferred to the Coast Guard cutter Haddock and then handed over to CBP for processing.
- About 30 minutes later, a second 21-foot vessel carrying nine Mexicans was stopped without incident and similarly processed.
- A third vessel, south of the island, surrendered after warning shots and carried 17 Mexicans. Authorities confiscated the vessel and transferred the passengers to CBP. An AMO aircrew provided surveillance for all three interceptions, which occurred within roughly one hour.
Other significant interceptions included:
- Saturday afternoon, the Coast Guard cutter Forrest Rednour and USS Augusta stopped another vessel carrying 16 people, who were transferred to CBP.
- Sunday night, the Forrest Rednour intercepted a vessel about 8.5 miles west of Sunset Cliffs, detaining 20 people and transferring them to CBP.
Hunter Robinson, executive director of AMO Southwest Region, said the operation demonstrates CBP’s commitment to holding those attempting illegal entry accountable.
“Whether by land, air, or sea, CBP pursues anyone violating our laws, especially dangerous criminals who threaten our communities,” Robinson said. “These arrests show how CBP works with law enforcement and national defense partners to protect U.S. borders.”
Justin De La Torre, chief patrol agent for the San Diego sector, emphasized the persistent threat posed by human trafficking.
“Protecting our country goes beyond stopping illegal entry,” De La Torre said. “In partnership with CBP, DHS, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we will identify, investigate, and hold accountable everyone involved in these criminal networks, including boat pilots, coordinators, facilitators, and the foreign terrorist organizations behind them. Together, we are committed to dismantling these operations and applying the full extent of the law.”
All individuals are being processed for either deportation or federal prosecution.
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