The Coast Guard Cutter Active and U.S. Customs and Border Protection interdict an alien vessel, approximately 15 miles off the coast of Mission Bay, California, Feb. 2, 2025. The crew of Active and CBP members worked together to interdict this alien panga-style vessel, which had 16 aliens aboard. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo)
I don’t have any hard figures, but it seems West Coast migrant interdictions are becoming more common, perhaps even more frequent than in the Caribbean, though the number of migrants in each attempt seems smaller than in LANTAREA interdictions.
Coast Guard interdicts 16 aliens near Mission Bay
SAN DIEGO — Coast Guard interdicted a vessel with 16 aliens aboard approximately 15 miles off the coast of Mission Bay, Sunday morning.
At approximately 12 a.m., U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active notified Joint Harbor Operations Center of a 25-foot panga-style with around 15-20 people aboard approximately 1 mile south of their position.
The cutter Active and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations boatcrew then launched boarding teams to assess.
The Coast Guard boarding team discovered 16 aliens aboard the panga. Initial interviews revealed that all the aliens claimed Mexican nationality.
The aliens were safely transferred to U.S. Border Patrol custody.
The Coast Guard remains committed to protecting lives at sea while working alongside our federal partners to combat illicit maritime activities. These operations highlight the coordinated efforts between agencies to secure our maritime borders.
Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne and partnership agencies intercept smuggler operated alien vessel, approximately 20 miles off the coast of Point Loma, California, Jan. 28, 2025. The crew of Guard Cutter Terrell Horne and U.S. Customs and Border Protection members worked together to interdict this illegal alien operation, which had 14 individuals aboard. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy video)
Coast Guard interdicts 14 aliens near Point Loma
SAN DIEGO — Coast Guard interdicted a panga with 14 aliens aboard approximately 20 miles off the coast of Point Loma, Tuesday night.
At approximately 4:45 p.m., U.S. Customs and Border Protection notified Coast Guard personnel at the Joint Harbor Operations Center of a panga-style vessel traveling north toward the maritime boundary line.
The Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne was diverted to the scene. The cutter launched a boarding team, and with CBP’s assistance, successfully interdicted the vessel.
The boarding teams discovered 14 individuals aboard the panga. Initial interviews revealed that all individuals claimed Mexican nationality.
The aliens were safely transferred to U.S. Border Patrol custody.
The Alien Migrant Interdiction Operations (AMIO) mission provides effective law enforcement presence at-sea and achieves three main objectives: deter undocumented migrants and transnational smugglers from using maritime routes to enter the U.S.; detect and interdict undocumented migrants and smugglers far from the U.S. border; and expand Coast Guard participation in multi-agency and bi-national border security initiatives. Strong partnerships and information sharing with other agencies, such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP), are critical to mission success. While the Coast Guard leads the interdiction mission on the high seas, partnerships with CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are critical for successful shore-side interdiction operations.
Coast Guard interdicts 21 migrants near Point Loma
SAN DIEGO — Coast Guard interdicted a panga with 21 individuals aboard approximately 20 miles off the coast of Point Loma, Monday evening.
At approximately 10:45 p.m., U.S. Customs and Border Protection notified Coast Guard personnel at the Joint Harbor Operations Center of a 40-foot panga-style vessel traveling north approximately 40 miles south of the maritime boundary line.
The Coast Guard Cutter Active and the Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne were diverted to the scene. Both cutters launched boarding teams and, with CBP’s assistance, successfully interdicted the vessel.
The boarding teams discovered 21 individuals aboard the panga. Initial interviews revealed that all individuals claimed Mexican nationality, although subsequent checks identified two passengers as Guatemalan and Salvadoran nationals.
The individuals were safely transferred to U.S. Border Patrol custody.
The Coast Guard remains committed to protecting lives at sea while working alongside our federal partners to combat illicit maritime activities. These operations highlight the coordinated efforts between agencies to secure our maritime borders.
Coast Guard interdicts 26 migrants near Oceanside Harbor
U.S. Coast Guard District Eleven
OCEANSIDE, Calif. — Coast Guard crews interdicted a panga-style vessel carrying 26 individuals approximately one mile offshore from Oceanside Harbor, Monday morning.
At around 10:30 a.m., Oceanside lifeguards reported a disabled vessel with multiple people aboard that had run out of fuel. Assessing no immediate safety concerns, lifeguards notified Coast Guard personnel at the Joint Harbor Operations Center and remained on scene.
The Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne was diverted to assist. Terrell Horne’s crew deployed a boarding team and safely embarked the 26 individuals, who represented multiple nationalities, including those from Mexico, China, and Vietnam. The individuals were later transferred to U.S. Border Patrol custody.
The Coast Guard works closely with partner agencies to deter and respond to dangerous smuggling operations that endanger lives.
Jan. 17, 2025
The U.S. Coast Guard and partnership agencies interdicted a 25-foot panga-style vessel carrying 15 individuals approximately 25 miles off Point Loma, Thursday.
The boat crew arrived on scene and issued commands for the vessel to stop. The operator abandoned the steering console, which caused the vessel to drift erratically. Coast Guard gained control of the vessel and turned off the engine. During this process, the panga collided with the Coast Guard small boat, resulting in minor damage to the starboard railing.
The 15 individuals aboard the vessel were determined to represent multiple nationalities, including China, Uzbekistan, Mexico, Ecuador, Vietnam, and El Salvador.
One individual was observed experiencing hypothermia-like symptoms and was transported by emergency medical services to UCSD Hillcrest for medical evaluation, accompanied by Border Patrol agents.
All 15 individuals were safely transferred to U.S. Border Patrol custody.
The Coast Guard continues to work closely with partner agencies to deter and respond to dangerous smuggling operations that put lives at risk.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4501054/coast-guard-interdicts-36-aliens-near-san-diego/
May 26, 2026
Coast Guard interdicts 36 aliens near San Diego
U.S. Coast Guard Southwest District Phone: (206) 815-6689
SAN DIEGO — A Coast Guard boarding team assigned to the 154-foot fast response cutter USCGC John McCormick (WPC 1121) interdicted 36 suspected aliens approximately 22 miles offshore of San Diego, Tuesday.
At 1:38 p.m., the John McCormick crew detected a suspicious 30-foot cuddy cabin vessel and launched a boarding team to investigate.
The boarding team approached the vessel and gained compliance without further use of force.
During the boarding, 36 suspected aliens were identified, all claiming Mexican nationality.
All aliens were detained and transferred to U.S. Border Patrol agents at Ballast Point.
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4514532/coast-guard-interdicts-9-aliens-near-coronado-island-calif/
June 11, 2026
Coast Guard interdicts 9 aliens near Coronado Island, Calif.
SAN DIEGO — Two Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) boat crews interdicted nine suspected aliens aboard a 24-foot vessel offshore Coronado Island, Sunday.
At 4:47 p.m., a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew reported a suspected rendezvous between a panga and the vessel near the northernmost point of Coronado Island.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Diego’s Joint Harbor Operations Center vectored both MSST crews to intercept the vessel. Boarding team members identified nine suspected aliens aboard, all claiming Mexican nationality.
All nine aliens were transferred to U.S. Border Patrol personnel at Ballast Point.
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4514532/coast-guard-interdicts-9-aliens-near-coronado-island-calif/
June 11, 2026
Coast Guard interdicts 9 aliens near Coronado Island, Calif.
SAN DIEGO — Two Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) boat crews interdicted nine suspected aliens aboard a 24-foot vessel offshore Coronado Island, Sunday.
At 4:47 p.m., a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew reported a suspected rendezvous between a panga and the vessel near the northernmost point of Coronado Island.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Diego’s Joint Harbor Operations Center vectored both MSST crews to intercept the vessel. Boarding team members identified nine suspected aliens aboard, all claiming Mexican nationality.
All nine aliens were transferred to U.S. Border Patrol personnel at Ballast Point.
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4516342/coast-guard-interdicts-17-aliens-near-sunset-cliffs/
June 13, 2026
Coast Guard interdicts 17 aliens near Sunset Cliffs
SAN DIEGO – The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour (WPC 1129) interdicted 17 suspected aliens aboard a panga-style vessel approximately 10 miles west of Sunset Cliffs, Sunday.
At 1:18 a.m., Sector San Diego Joint Harbor Operations Center watch standers received notification from a Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento HC-130 Hercules aircrew of a vessel of interest southwest of Point Loma. The aircrew maintained surveillance of the vessel and provided continuous position updates while the Forrest Rednour crew diverted to intercept.
The Forrest Rednour launched an over-the-horizon boat crew and boarding team, which gained positive control of the vessel. The boarding team found 17 suspected aliens aboard; 16 claiming Mexican nationality and one unaccompanied minor claiming Guatemalan nationality.
All suspected aliens were embarked aboard the Forrest Rednour and later transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations personnel for transport to Ballast Point to U.S. Border Patrol custody.
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4521343/coast-guard-interdicts-11-aliens-near-san-diego/
June 18, 2026Coast Guard interdicts 11 aliens near San Diego
SAN DIEGO – The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Halibut (WPB 87340) interdicted 11 suspected aliens aboard a cuddy cabin vessel approximately 7 miles west of San Diego, Wednesday.
At 4:13 a.m., Halibut watch standers spotted a vessel of interest transiting north of the maritime boundary line.
Halibut launched a boarding team, which gained positive control of the vessel with no use of force necessary. The boarding team found 11 suspected aliens aboard.
All aliens were transferred to U.S. Border Patrol custody.
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4526592/coast-guard-interdicts-26-aliens-near-la-jolla/
June 25, 2026
Coast Guard interdicts 26 aliens near La Jolla
U.S. Coast Guard Southwest District Phone: (206) 815-6689
SAN DIEGO — A Coast Guard boarding team assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne (WPC 1131) interdicted 26 suspected aliens approximately 14 miles offshore La Jolla, Tuesday.
At 2:28 a.m., watch standers from the Joint Harbor Operations Center received a report from the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) of a suspicious unlit vessel and diverted the crew of the Terrell Horne to investigate.
Boarding team members identified a 25-foot vessel and gained compliance without escalated use of force.
During the boarding, 24 adults and 2 unaccompanied minors were identified as suspected aliens and detained by crew members aboard the Terrell Horne.
All 26 detained individuals were transported to Ballast Point and transferred to U.S. Border Patrol agents for further investigation.
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4533715/coast-guard-interdicts-11-aliens-near-point-loma/
I have to wonder why MSST Honolulu was in San Diego.
July 6, 2026
Coast Guard interdicts 11 aliens near Point Loma
U.S. Coast Guard Southwest District Phone: 206-815-6689
SAN DIEGO — A Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Honolulu boarding team interdicted 11 suspected aliens aboard a 20-foot vessel approximately two miles south of Point Loma, Saturday.
At 10:45 p.m., Coast Guard Cutter Haddock (WPB 87347) observed an unidentified vessel by radar and notified watch standers from Coast Guard Sector San Diego Joint Harbor Operations Center, who then diverted the MSST boarding team to intercept and Coast Guard Station San Diego to assist.
The MSST boarding team members identified a 20-foot vessel and gained compliance without escalated use of force.
During the boarding, 11 adult males claiming Mexican nationality were detained by the MSST boarding team.
While the boatcrew from Coast Guard Station San Diego was enroute to assist, the 20-foot vessel was observed to be slowly taking on water and starting to sink. A bilge pump was deployed but could not keep up with the rate of water ingress, resulting in a Coast Guard member and four individuals entering the water. Coast Guard Station San Diego arrived on scene and recovered all persons from the water.
No injuries or loss of equipment were reported.
All 11 detained individuals were transported to Ballast Point and transferred to U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Illegal maritime migration aboard makeshift or unseaworthy vessels is inherently dangerous, and the Coast Guard strongly urges individuals not to risk their lives at sea on unsafe transit. The Coast Guard, alongside partner agencies, remains committed to detecting and intercepting illegal vessels and preventing loss of life at sea.
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4540996/coast-guard-apprehends-25-suspected-aliens-in-mission-bay-and-point-loma/
July 12, 2026
Coast Guard apprehends 25 suspected aliens in Mission Bay and Point Loma
U.S. Coast Guard Southwest District Public Affairs: (206) 815-6689
SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard apprehended 25 suspected aliens during two boarding operations near San Diego, Saturday afternoon.
At approximately 2:50 p.m., Coast Guard Sector San Diego watchstanders received a report from a Coast Guard Port Security Unit (PSU) 311 boatcrew of a 40-foot cabin cruiser vessel in Mission Bay. The crew inspected the vessel and found 21 suspected aliens aboard. The vessel was reported to have 20 adults and one unaccompanied minor.
The Coast Guard crew transferred all 21 individuals to Imperial Beach Border Patrol on scene in Quivira Basin.
Later, at approximately 4 p.m., watchstanders received a report from a good Samaritan of a disabled vessel approximately 1.5 miles southwest of Point Loma and directed a Coast Guard Station San Diego boatcrew to investigate.
The crew arrived on scene and found four suspected aliens aboard an 18-foot center console-style vessel. The vessel was reported to have three adults and one unaccompanied minor.
The Coast Guard crew transported all four individuals to Sector San Diego and transferred to the Imperial Beach Border Patrol at Ballast Point.
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4543506/coast-guard-apprehends-10-aliens-3-smugglers-near-point-loma/
July 13, 2026
Coast Guard apprehends 10 aliens, 3 smugglers near Point Loma
U.S. Coast Guard Southwest District Public Affairs: (206) 815-6689
SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard apprehended 10 suspected aliens and three suspected smugglers during two boarding operations near Point Loma, Sunday.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., Coast Guard Sector San Diego watchstanders received a radio transmission from the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter (WPB 87362) crew directing Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Honolulu to intercept a 34-foot sailing vessel crossing the Maritime Boundary Line approximately 5 miles southwest of Point Loma.
The MSST Honolulu boatcrew boarded the vessel and spoke with the operator, who was identified as a U.S. citizen and claimed he was alone. During the inspection, the crew found another individual hidden below deck, prompting further investigation.
The MSST Honolulu boatcrew escorted the vessel to Ballast Point where they were joined by Imperial Beach Border Patrol and a Coast Guard enforcement team for a dockside boarding and K-9 sweep. Before the K-9 sweep, the operator reported more people were hidden below deck. The vessel was reported to have two U.S. citizens, seven suspected aliens- four adults and three unaccompanied minors, and suspected narcotics aboard.
All nine individuals were transferred to Imperial Beach Border Patrol at Ballast Point.
Later, at 4:50 p.m., Sector San Diego watchstanders received a radio transmission of the Sea Otter crew directing the MSST Honolulu boatcrew to intercept a 36-foot sailing vessel crossing the Maritime Boundary Line 1 mile south of Point Loma.
The MSST Honolulu boatcrew interdicted the vessel and identified one operator and three passengers. A background check on the operator revealed prior smuggling convictions, prompting the MSST crew to escort the vessel to Bali Hai Pier and were joined by Imperial Beach Border Patrol and a Coast Guard enforcement team for further investigation. The vessel was reported to have one U.S. citizen and three suspected aliens- two adults and one unaccompanied minor.
All four individuals were transferred to Imperial Beach Border Patrol at Bali Hai Pier.
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4551415/correction-coast-guard-apprehends-7-aliens-near-point-loma/
July 21, 2026
CORRECTION: Coast Guard apprehends 7 aliens near Point Loma
U.S. Coast Guard Southwest District Public Affairs: (206) 815-6689
Editors note: Formatting and sentence structure corrections for clarity.
SAN DIEGO — A Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal (WPB- 87335) boarding team interdicted seven suspected aliens approximately 7 miles offshore of Point Loma, Monday morning.
At 12:54 a.m., crewmembers identified an 18-foot Sea Ray vessel, gained compliance from the operator and detained the seven individuals aboard as suspected aliens.
All seven individuals were transported to Ballast Point and transferred to U.S. Border Patrol agents for further investigation.