California (Thechieftainspear) – U.S. federal officials are increasingly intercepting migrant boats attempting to reach the country by sea, with a growing number of these incidents occurring off California’s coastline. Authorities have expressed heightened concerns over the individuals found aboard, citing national security risks.
“This isn’t just a case of people coming here for work. We’re seeing individuals from a wide range of nationalities, including China, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan,” said Coast Guard Captain Jason Hagen in a statement to Fox News. “That raises significant security concerns.”
One of the latest incidents took place on February 28, 2025, when authorities stopped a 25-foot vessel about 20 miles west of Point Loma, California. The operation led to the apprehension of 21 individuals attempting to enter the U.S. illegally.
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Just days before, another smuggling attempt was disrupted off the southern California coast, with more than a dozen migrants found aboard. The coordinated effort involved an Air Station San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter team, the Coast Guard Cutter Benjamin Bottoms, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations vessel.
The individuals apprehended—who were from China, India, and Mexico—were handed over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials for processing.
According to Fox News, the Coast Guard has intercepted around 200 migrant boats in the San Diego region over the past three months, averaging two interceptions per day. Officials warn that as maritime smuggling routes remain active, they will continue ramping up enforcement efforts.
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