Coast Guard Intercepts Migrant Smuggling Boat off California Coast

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The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a 40-foot panga-style boat attempting to smuggle 21 migrants into the United States approximately 20 miles off the San Diego coast on January 27, 2025. According to a Coast Guard statement released on Tuesday, all individuals aboard initially claimed Mexican nationality; however, later checks confirmed two passengers were Guatemalan and Salvadoran nationals.

Reportedly, U.S. Customs and Border Protection alerted Coast Guard units around 10:45 PM local time, prompting their swift response. The interception occurred as the vessel moved north, just south of the U.S.-Mexico maritime boundary. Following the intercept, the migrants were brought ashore and transferred to Border Patrol custody.

This operation underscores the growing challenge of human smuggling along the California coast, with the Coast Guard noting a staggering 400% increase in such cases since 2018, including nearly 150 incidents in the last three months. Amid ongoing nationwide immigration raids, coordinated efforts between border security agencies are highlighted as crucial to securing maritime borders.

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