The U.S. Coast Guard detained 37 individuals attempting to enter the country unlawfully by sea during a series of maritime interceptions off the Southern California coast between October 5 and 30.
The first case took place on October 9 seven miles off the coast of San Diego, where a Maritime Safety and Security Team crew intercepted a 24-foot boat carrying 13 people. The occupants were turned over to U.S. Border Patrol agents at Ballast Point in Imperial Beach for processing.
That same day, the Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal intercepted a 25-foot cabin cruiser carrying 23 suspected migrants during a patrol near Santa Cruz Island.
The crew transported the individuals to Coast Guard Base Los Angeles–Long Beach, surrendering them to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Personnel from Station Channel Islands seized the vessel and transferred it to CBP custody.
On October 17, Coast Guard watchstanders spotted a suspicious personal watercraft speeding off Point Loma. A crew from MSST Honolulu was dispatched to investigate, but the operator refused to yield, triggering a high-speed pursuit joined by Coast Guard watercraft units.
The fleeing vessel hit a wave and capsized during the chase. Authorities detained the passenger on scene, while the driver swam to shore and evaded capture.
Coast Guard officials emphasized that they continue to coordinate closely with federal and international partners to disrupt human smuggling groups and protect the maritime border.
