Crime & Safety

'Overloaded' Human Smuggling Boat Seized Off LA County Coast

An "overloaded" boat used for human smuggling was intercepted by Los Angeles Coast Guard officials Monday, authorities said.

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The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized a boat that was transporting undocumented migrants attempting to enter the country, authorities said.
The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized a boat that was transporting undocumented migrants attempting to enter the country, authorities said. (Renee Schiavone/Patch)

MALIBU, CA — Federal authorities on Tuesday detained 23 people attempting to enter the country illegally on a boat sailing off the Malibu coast, which U.S. Coast Guard officials described as a human smuggling vessel.

After spotting the boat during a routine patrol, the Coast Guard launched a boat to investigate and requested additional air and surface support from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Coast Guard said in a release.

Authorities detained 23 undocumented migrants and towed the vessel to shore for further processing. Authorities also seized the boat, officials said.

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"This case is a prime example of the exceptional cooperation and working relationships we have with partner agencies such as CBP and [CBP's Air and Marine Operations]," said Commander Keith Robinson, Los Angeles' Coast Guard law enforcement chief. "These overloaded vessels are inherently dangerous, and our extensive partnerships in the area are essential to keeping boaters safe and enforcing the nation's customs and immigration laws."

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