CBP intercepts three smuggling vessels off Southern California coast
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations crews interdicted three smuggling boats off Southern California between April 17–21, 2026, apprehending 60 people total. The vessels were detected via aerial surveillance and intercepted near San Clemente Island, San Nicolas Island, and off Ensenada, Mexico. Many of those apprehended had criminal histories including drug trafficking, assault, and other felonies. While this enforcement action does not directly affect customs invoicing or landed-cost calculations, it underscores CBP's border security operations.
Photo: Odalis Carolina Guevara Monzon / Pexels# CBP Intercepts Three Smuggling Vessels Off Southern California
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations (AMO) crews and partner agencies interdicted three smuggling vessels off the coast of Southern California between April 17 and April 21, 2026, apprehending a total of 60 people, according to a CBP announcement.
The first interdiction occurred on April 17, when an AMO aircrew detected a 24-foot vessel south of the maritime boundary line. AMO's San Diego Marine Unit responded and intercepted the boat near San Clemente Island at approximately 2 p.m., apprehending 13 people—seven men, five women, and one juvenile female. The individuals and vessel were taken to Ballast Point Naval Base for processing by U.S. Border Patrol.
On April 18, an AMO aircrew detected a second vessel approximately 80 nautical miles southwest of Point Loma. AMO's Long Beach Marine Unit, working with the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Florence Finch, intercepted the boat near San Nicolas Island. They apprehended 29 Mexican nationals, who were transported to Newport Harbor for handover to U.S. Border Patrol.
A third interdiction took place on April 21, when the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Terrel Horne, guided by an AMO aircrew, stopped a 25-foot cuddy cabin vessel that had been detected a day earlier off the coast of Ensenada, Mexico. The Coast Guard apprehended 18 Mexican nationals on board and transported them for processing.
According to CBP, some of the individuals apprehended had criminal histories for serious offenses. The source notes crimes including "failure to yield, driving under the influence, felony hit-and-run, making false police reports, drug possession, active warrants for resisting arrest, trespassing, burglary, possession of burglary tools, receiving stolen property, drug trafficking, aggravated assault with a weapon, and domestic violence."
"These interdictions show the great lengths dangerous criminals will go to avoid apprehension, including taking to the open ocean in unsafe, overcrowded vessels. Their desperation puts lives at risk. Our crews are dedicated to stopping these dangerous individuals far from shore to keep our communities safe."
— Air and Marine Operations Southwest Region Executive Director Hunter Robinson
What this means for shippers
While this enforcement action focuses on maritime security and human smuggling rather than commercial cargo, it reflects CBP's expanded operational capacity and vigilance along U.S. maritime borders. Shippers and freight forwarders should remain aware that CBP maintains active air and marine interdiction capabilities that support broader border security missions. For detailed guidance on customs documentation, tariff classification, and landed-cost estimation for legitimate shipments, consult customs-invoice.com's landed cost calculator.
