Coast Guard Intercepts 12 Suspected Migrants Off San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard stopped a boat carrying 12 suspected migrants off the coast of San Diego, officials said.

Watchstanders detected a panga-style boat heading north into U.S. waters at 6:09 a.m. Monday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. A boarding team deployed to intercept the vessel, which did not initially comply with orders to stop and attempted to flee.

The crew used graduated force, including disabling fire, to stop the boat.

Authorities identified 12 people aboard, all of whom claimed Mexican nationality.

The individuals were transferred to U.S. Border Patrol custody at Ballast Point in Imperial Beach, officials said.