Coast Guard Detains 37 Migrants in Southern California Waters
The Southwest District recorded 37 detentions in October, including a large group found near the Channel Islands.
By Alessia Diallo ·
The U.S. Coast Guard reported Sunday that its crews detained 37 undocumented migrants off the Southern California coast during October. The agency said these operations occurred between Oct. 5 and Oct. 30 in waters including Los Angeles County.
The largest single incident in that period occurred on Oct. 9. A patrol crew on the Cutter Narwhal located 23 suspected undocumented migrants on a 25-foot cuddy-cabin vessel. The boat was found near Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection took custody of the migrants after the Coast Guard identified them. Officials stated the group was transported first to the Coast Guard base in Los Angeles-Long Beach. A separate Coast Guard crew in the Channel Islands seized the vessel and handed it over to CBP.
Capt. Jason Hagen, the Southwest District chief of enforcement, said the activity reflects the agency's persistent multi-mission presence in the region. He noted that crews are prepared to conduct border security operations and enforce federal laws in the area.
Hagen described the migration attempts as dangerous and illegal. He said these operations place lives at risk, particularly when smugglers use overcrowded and poorly equipped vessels that are not suited for ocean conditions. The Coast Guard stated it works closely with federal and international partners to disrupt human smuggling and ensure safety at sea.
Source: MyNewsLA (City News Service)
