The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a boat carrying 36 migrants Tuesday afternoon roughly 35 kilometers off the coast of San Diego, authorities have said.
According to officials, the vessel was detected around 1 p.m. by the USCGC John McCormick, a fast-response vessel operating in the area.
The boat, described as a 9-meter cabin-style vessel, was flagged as suspicious, prompting authorities to deploy a boarding team to investigate.
During the operation, Coast Guard personnel detained all 36 passengers on board without the use of force. Authorities said the individuals later identified themselves as Mexicans during questioning.
Following the interception, the migrants were transferred to U.S. Border Patrol agents at Ballast Point in San Diego.
