LOS ANGELES, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Sunday that crews detained 37 undocumented migrants off the Southern California coast, including in Los Angeles County, in October.
The USCG issued a new release announcing that the detainments took place between Oct. 5 and 30.
On Oct. 9, the USCG was notified that a patrol crew on the Cutter Narwhal found 23 suspected undocumented migrants on a 25-foot, cuddy-cabin vessel near Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection later took custody of the migrants, who were brought first to the USCG base in Los Angeles-Long Beach, officials said.
A USCG Channel Islands crew "seized the vessel and transferred it to CBP," they said.
The USCG stated that it "works closely with federal and international partners to disrupt human smuggling operations and ensure the safety of those at sea."
Coast Guard Capt. Jason Hagen said the operations "reflect the Coast Guard's persistent, multi-mission presence throughout Southern California's maritime region."
"Our crews stand ready to conduct border security operations, enforce federal laws and keep our waters safe," said Hagen, who is the Southwest District chief of enforcement. "Dangerous and illegal migration attempts place lives at risk, especially when smugglers use overcrowded, poorly equipped vessels not suited for ocean conditions."
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Los Angeles Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.