Yesterday, a group of 17 people was apprehended by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Marine Interdiction Agents off the coast of San Clemente Island. The individuals, all claiming to be Mexican citizens, were on a panga-style boat that attempted to enter U.S. waters under the cover of darkness. Their journey was brought to a halt by an alert from U.S. Navy personnel aboard the USS Sampson (DDG 102), according to a CBP news release.
The situation unfolded after the Navy ship detected the suspicious, lights-out vessel moving northbound. CBP's San Diego Marine Unit dispatched a crew and intercepted the boat at approximately 2:40 AM. In an operation that CBP says underscores the vigilance of federal agencies, it is clear that the coastal integrity is a priority for national security efforts.
Following the stop, agents took into custody the individuals on the boat, and they were turned over to San Clemente Border Patrol agents for further processing. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about maritime smuggling along the California coast, which remains a less monitored frontier in the ongoing struggle to manage U.S. borders.
Air and Marine Operations continue to collaborate with federal, state, and international partners to disrupt criminal activities that threaten border security and safety.
