Coast Guard Intercepts Illegal Migrants Off Southern California Coast
The Coast Guard Cutter Haddock intercepted a panga boat with 20 illegal migrants off Southern California. As coastal migration increases, local officials seek surveillance measures.
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Haddock found 20 illegal migrants on a panga boat in the waters off the Southern California shores on Tuesday, authorities said.
The Cutter Haddock intercepted a 30-foot panga-style vessel 21 miles off Point Loma. The boat was initially spotted by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations patrol aircraft, which notified the Coast Guard.
A small boat crew from the Haddock rushed to the vessel and discovered 17 men and three women aboard, who claimed Mexican and Chinese nationalities. The migrants were subsequently handed off to the U.S. Border Patrol.
As the southern land border remains secure due to heightened enforcement following the Trump administration's policies, some migrants are reportedly attempting to enter the United States by sea. Local officials have noted an increase in panga boats along California's coast.
San Clemente Mayor Steve Knoblock expressed concerns about this trend, stating, "In the last month or so, we've had a large increase in the number of pangas that have come up on our beach." He added that while the land invasion seems stopped, the sea invasion is starting.
San Clemente, located on the border of Orange and San Diego counties, is considering working with border authorities to install and monitor cameras to track boats that may carry illegal migrants.
