From California Post · · 50s
Feds Bust Boat Smuggling 18 Migrants Off California Coast
Border Patrol arrests 18 illegal migrants off Catalina Island after intercepting smuggling vessel.
In brief
Border Patrol arrests 18 illegal migrants off Catalina Island after intercepting smuggling vessel. U.S. Customs and Border Protection apprehended 18 illegal migrants from a boat near Catalina Island on November 7, 2026. Originally reported by California Post.
Border Patrol Intercepts Smuggling Vessel
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations posted rare footage of agents boarding a boat near Catalina Island on November 7, 2026.
18 Migrants Apprehended
Border officials arrested 18 individuals from the vessel after loading them onto a boat near Newport Harbor in Newport Beach.
Border Officials Statement
U.S. Customs and Border Protection wrote on Instagram that anyone attempting to enter the U.S. unlawfully will be apprehended and removed.
“THE BORDER IS CLOSED! Anyone who attempts to enter the United States unlawfully will be apprehended, processed, and removed in accordance with U.S. law”
Previous Migrant Incident
Authorities previously intercepted a small boat 14 miles west of San Clemente Island with an unresponsive 56-year-old man who later died.
The bottom line
U.S. Customs and Border Protection apprehended 18 illegal migrants from a boat near Catalina Island on November 7, 2026.
