SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The U.S. Coast Guard interdicted a group of 20 migrants aboard a 30-foot panga-style vessel about 21 miles west of Point Loma on Tuesday, military officials confirmed in a press release.
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations patrol aircraft spotted the vessel and alerted watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Diego. The Coast Guard Cutter Haddock was then dispatched to intercept the vessel.
Once on scene, the Cutter Haddock launched its small boat crew, who boarded the vessel and detained all 20 individuals on board. The group, consisting of 17 males and three females, claimed Mexican and Chinese nationalities, military officials explained.
Following the interception, the Coast Guard transported the detainees to Sector San Diego. They were later transferred to Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station personnel for further processing.
The interdiction follows several others in recent weeks, with the U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies working together to prevent illegal immigration and human trafficking.
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