CBP Opens Fire on Smugglers Off California Coast, Nine Men Detained

Nine men from various countries were arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO) following a failed smuggling attempt off the coast of California. The operation took place late on March 4 and into the early hours of March 5, when a panga vessel carrying the men was intercepted by AMO agents. Panga vessels are small outboard motor boats, typically used for fishing.

An AMO Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft first detected the panga heading toward the Maritime Boundary Line (MBL) around 9:35 p.m. The aircraft maintained surveillance while coordinating with a Coastal Interceptor Vessel (CIV). When the panga crossed the MBL after midnight, agents attempted to halt the vessel, but the crew did not comply. After all other measures were exhausted, Marine Interdiction Agents opened fire and used disabling rounds to stop the boat.

The detained individuals included four Brazilians, two Mexicans, two Nepalese, and one Chinese national. All nine adult males were taken into custody and transported to shore for processing. The panga was seized under a violation of 8 USC 1324, which pertains to bringing in and harboring illegal aliens.

AMO operates with approximately 1,800 agents and support personnel, 240 aircraft, and 300 marine vessels across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization conducts operations in air and maritime environments along the border and within the nation’s interior, leveraging its law enforcement capabilities and partnerships to address security threats.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

---