Marine Interdiction Agents with the Long Beach Air and Marine Branch intercepted a vessel carrying 18 undocumented migrants off the Southern California coast.
The interception occurred on Saturday, Nov. 7, after a San Diego Air and Marine Operations aircraft spotted the boat roughly 12 nautical miles east of Catalina Island.
The agents responded to the scene, took all 18 individuals into custody, and escorted the vessel to Newport Harbor.
Upon arrival, agents transferred the detainees to U.S. Border Patrol custody to initiate processing and deportation proceedings.
Federal officials used the incident to issue a warning against maritime smuggling, emphasizing that strict border enforcement policies remain in effect.
“THE BORDER IS CLOSED! Anyone who attempts to enter the United States illegally will be detained, processed, and removed in accordance with U.S. law.”
