DHS interdicts 6 smuggling boats, apprehends 82 migrants off the coast of California
Federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the United States Coast Guard, interdicted six suspected human smuggling boats and apprehended 82 migrants off the coast of California over the weekend.
Recent Coast Guard operations also intercepted additional vessels: 14 migrants near Point Loma on March 1, and 20 migrants near Sunset Cliffs on Feb. 24, alongside five other suspected smuggling boats carrying 62 migrants.
DHS warned that tightened land border enforcement has pushed cartels to increasingly use maritime routes to smuggle people and contraband into the United States.
Through mid-March of fiscal year 2025, the United States Border Patrol recorded 264 maritime smuggling events resulting in 826 apprehensions, putting the year on pace to match or approach 2024 totals.
Officials highlighted the dangers of maritime smuggling, noting vessels are often overloaded, lack safety measures and include pangas, pleasure boats and even jet skis, with many trips occurring at night under hazardous conditions.
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