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In a coordinated effort, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), alongside the U.S. Coast Guard, successfully intercepted multiple smuggling vessels off the coast of California, resulting in the apprehension of 60 individuals. This operation involved three separate boats and was a part of a broader initiative to curb illegal activities in the region.
Between April 17 and April 21, CBP’s Air and Marine Operations unit played a crucial role in intercepting these vessels along the Southern California shoreline. This announcement was made public by CBP on Friday, highlighting the ongoing vigilance of federal agencies in tackling maritime smuggling.
The first of these interdictions occurred on April 17, when CBP’s San Diego Marine Unit identified a 24-foot boat navigating near San Clemente Island. Onboard were 13 individuals, comprising seven men, five women, and a juvenile female. The vessel was escorted to Ballast Point Naval Base for further processing, ensuring that all occupants were accounted for and handled according to protocol.
The operation continued to gain momentum the following day with the interception of another suspected smuggling boat located 80 nautical miles southwest of San Diego. This effort was bolstered by the involvement of the Coast Guard’s Cutter Florence Finch. Together with CBP’s Long Beach Marine Unit, they successfully intercepted the boat near San Nicolas Island. Aboard were 29 Mexican nationals, who were subsequently transported to Newport Harbor by the Coast Guard. Upon arrival, they were handed over to the U.S. Border Patrol for further action.
Aided by the Coast Guard’s Cutter Florence Finch, Air and Marine Operations’ Long Beach Marine Unit crew intercepted the boat near San Nicolas Island, apprehending 29 Mexican nationals. The Coast Guard transported the individuals and the vessel to Newport Harbor and turned them over to the U.S. Border Patrol, CBP said.
United States Coast Guard’s Florence Finch cutter boat. Commissioned in 2024, the Florence Finch is a Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter designed for high-speed patrols. (U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area)
The third and final operation occurred on April 21. The Coast Guard’s Terrel Horne interdicted a 25-foot cuddy cabin boat containing 18 Mexican nationals on board. The Coast Guard also transported them for processing by U.S. Border Patrol.
Many of the 60 individuals have criminal histories for a wide array of offenses including failure to yield, driving under the influence, felony hit-and-run, making false police reports, drug possession, active warrants for resisting arrest, trespassing, burglary, possession of burglary tools, receiving stolen property, drug trafficking, aggravated assault with a weapon and domestic violence, according to CBP.
“These interdictions show the great lengths dangerous criminals will go to avoid apprehension, including taking to the open ocean in unsafe, overcrowded vessels,” Air and Marine Operations Southwest Region Executive Director Hunter Robinson said in a statement. “Their desperation puts lives at risk. Our crews are dedicated to stopping these dangerous individuals far from shore to keep our communities safe.”
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection photo shows alleged attempted smugglers surrendering on April 24, 2026. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations)
Border crossings and apprehensions are down significantly during President Donald Trump’s administration compared to former President Joe Biden’s. Border encounters during the first six months of the fiscal year are the lowest in recorded history, the Department of Homeland Security said in an April statement.
Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue agents from the Tucson Sector and Air and Marine Operations demonstrated a rescue of a migrant lost in the Brown Canyon desert near Sasabe, Ariz. (Herika Martinez/AFP)
Fox News Digital contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and CBP for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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