60 Migrants Detained In SoCal Smuggling Spree, Including In Orange County: CBP

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Authorities have interdicted three smuggling vessels in recent days off the coast of Southern California, including in Orange County, apprehending 60 people total, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Some of those apprehended have criminal histories, with offenses including felony hit-and-run and drug possession, as well as active warrants for burglary, drug trafficking and aggravated assault, among other offenses, authorities said.

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An aircrew detected a 24-foot vessel on April 17, and San Diego Marine Unit crews interdicted the boat around 2 p.m. near San Clemente Island, apprehending 13 people on board, including one juvenile, all of whom were taken to Ballast Point Naval Base for processing, authorities said.

Another vessel was detected on April 18, and the Long Beach Marine Unit worked with the U.S. Coast Guard to intercept it near San Nicolas Island, apprehending 29 Mexican nationals, who were brought to Newport Harbor and turned over to Border Patrol, according to authorities.

On April 21, the Coast Guard, guided by an Air and Marine Operations aircrew, interdicted a 25-foot cuddy cabin and apprehended 18 Mexican nationals, authorities said.