On Monday night, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a 40-foot panga-style boat approximately 40 miles off the maritime boundary line near San Diego. The vessel was carrying 21 individuals attempting to enter the United States without authorization.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) alerted the Coast Guard's Joint Harbor Operations Center around 10:45 p.m. about the northbound vessel. Two Coast Guard cutter teams, assisted by CBP, successfully stopped the boat and discovered the individuals on board.

While initial interviews suggested all passengers were Mexican nationals, further investigation revealed two individuals were from Guatemala and El Salvador.

The individuals were safely transferred to CBP custody. This incident occurs amidst a renewed focus on border security and immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The Coast Guard is also assisting in the transportation of individuals apprehended at the border to designated locations in Texas and California, from which the Department of Defense will facilitate international transport.

Acting Commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Kevin Lunday, recently stated the Coast Guard is increasing its presence and utilizing its unique resources to safeguard U.S. borders and sovereignty, per presidential directives. The Department of Homeland Security reported 7,300 apprehensions of individuals attempting illegal entry in the past week alone.