The US Coast Guard intercepted a boat carrying more than a dozen migrants off the coast of Encinitas on Friday night, highlighting ongoing concerns about maritime smuggling along the California shoreline.
According to officials, the incident unfolded when a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) patrol aircraft spotted a panga-style boat approximately 22 miles west of Encinitas at 7:20 p.m. The aircraft tracked the vessel as it entered the US Contiguous Zone, prompting an immediate alert to Coast Guard Sector San Diego.
In response, the Coast Guard Cutter Benjamin Bottoms and the Coast Guard Cutter Haddock were swiftly deployed to intercept the boat. Upon reaching the vessel, authorities discovered 13 migrants on board, all of whom claimed to be Mexican nationals. The group included 10 men and three women, attempting to enter the US via the perilous sea route.
Following their interception, the migrants were transported to Sector San Diego, where they were handed over to San Clemente Border Patrol personnel for further processing. Officials did not specify whether any suspected smugglers were among those detained.
The California coastline has become an increasingly active corridor for maritime smuggling, as individuals seeking entry into the US attempt to bypass land-based border security measures. Authorities have repeatedly warned about the dangers associated with these unauthorized crossings, as many migrants risk their lives aboard overloaded and unseaworthy vessels.
Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor maritime smuggling operations closely, reinforcing patrols and deploying advanced surveillance systems to detect illegal crossings. Officials have urged individuals not to attempt these treacherous journeys, emphasizing that smuggling networks often exploit vulnerable migrants for profit while exposing them to significant risks at sea.
With ongoing efforts to curb illicit maritime entry, authorities remain vigilant, ensuring that those attempting unauthorized crossings are intercepted and processed according to federal immigration laws.