San Diego Border Patrol Sector, in conjunction with the San Diego Air and Marine Branch, made the arrests in a series of events that highlighted the ongoing struggle against human trafficking by sea. Over a single day, more than 40 individuals were arrested in connection with maritime human smuggling across San Diego coastal waters, as reported by Customs and Border Protection. 

The first of these incidents occurred early Sunday morning when a small fishing vessel was intercepted at Dana Landing in Mission Bay, four presumed migrants were taken into custody alongside the vessel's crew, and a suspected smuggler was caught in a nearby sedan, this series of apprehensions signaling a determination by border enforcement to crack down on illicit operations that risk lives for profit; the vessel and car were seized, and the case is being considered for prosecution under 8 USC 1324.

Likewise, a seemingly abandoned pleasure craft near Crystal Cove in Newport Beach led to the apprehension of 16 individuals reported by witnesses to have fled toward land. Further examination by agents, assisted by an Air and Marine Operations A-Star helicopter, confirmed their unauthorized presence in the U.S., resulting in their detainment and the craft's seizure.

Similarly, a panga vessel was spotted off Solana Beach and tracked to Beacons Beach in Leucadia, where the CBP detained 15 individuals; however, the captain managed to return the boat to Mexican waters, making evident the challenges faced by agents who patrol an extensive coastline, agents do face considerable obstacles, including evasion tactics and the vastness of the maritime area they oversee. Yet, they continue to emphasize vigilance in their duties to protect the borders.