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Press Release | Feb. 26, 2025

Coast Guard encounters over a dozen aliens off the coast of southern California

U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Southwest Phone: 206-815-6689

SAN DIEGO – The Coast Guard encountered over a dozen aliens off the coast of southern California early Tuesday morning.

Coast Guard Sector San Diego, an Air Station San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew, Coast Guard Cutter Benjamin Bottoms, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations boat crew participated in the encounter.

Benjamin Bottoms crewmembers turned over custody of the aliens, including Mexican, Chinese, and Indian nationals, to Customs and Border Protection for further processing.

The Coast Guard works closely with federal and international partners to disrupt human smuggling operations and ensure the safety of those at sea. Smuggling attempts via the maritime domain are inherently dangerous, often involving overloaded and unseaworthy vessels.

-USCG-

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