A 30-foot “panga-style” boat carrying 20 migrants from Mexico and China was intercepted by the US Coast Guard while attempting to reach California’s shores. The boat was spotted 21 miles off the coast of Point Loma, San Diego, on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The Coast Guard quickly deployed Cutter Haddock to block the vessel, preventing it from reaching US waters.
“We remain committed to stopping illegal maritime migration before it turns deadly,” a Coast Guard spokesperson said in a statement.
The interception serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in attempting such dangerous crossings.
The operation unfolded under the cover of darkness, as Coast Guard officers rushed to the boat, securing the migrants and bringing them into custody. The passengers, including 17 men and three women, identified themselves as nationals from Mexico and China. After being safely transported to San Diego, they were handed over to US Border Patrol authorities for processing.
This incident is part of the broader efforts by the Coast Guard to curb illegal maritime immigration. With President Trump’s tough stance on immigration, there has been a significant increase in border security measures, including the redirection of resources to intercept migrant boats.
Earlier this month, a similar operation took place off the coast of Florida, where the Coast Guard intercepted an overloaded sailboat carrying 132 Haitian migrants. The Coast Guard’s strategic focus has been to block unauthorized migrants attempting to enter via sea routes, which are often seen as more dangerous.
The intercepted migrants face legal proceedings, including potential deportation, as the Coast Guard continues to work in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to prevent illegal entry and protect US shores from unauthorized immigration.
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