Border Patrol intercepts boat off San Diego coast carrying 16 migrants
Chinese national among 16 found aboard panga heading to U.S. coast
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Border Patrol agents arrested 16 migrants in a panga boat early Monday morning in San Diego.
U.S. Border Patrol agents said all 15 Mexican nationals and one Chinese national attempted to enter the U.S. boat with the lights off illegally. Agents notified law enforcement officials, and a U.S. Coast Guard responded to the area and stopped the 25ft panga.
an effort to make this treacherous journey.
“As CBP strengthens its border security on land, criminal organizations are resorting to the ocean for their illicit activities which is inherently dangerous,” said Aaron M. Heitke, Chief Patrol Agent, San Diego Sector, U.S. Border Patrol. “As this and other recent interdictions indicate, our strategic partnerships and joint efforts are vital to achieving operational control of the U.S. coastline.”
Agents say they were brought back to the dock safely near the Naval Base Point Loma. They processed them and seized the panga.
Last month, three people died, and more than 20 were injured after entering the U.S. along the San Diego coast.
