# Feds Bust Boat Smuggling 18 Migrants Off California Coast

> Border Patrol arrests 18 illegal migrants off Catalina Island after intercepting smuggling vessel.
- Title: Feds Bust Boat Smuggling 18 Migrants Off California Coast
- Summary: Border Patrol arrests 18 illegal migrants off Catalina Island after intercepting smuggling vessel. U.S.
- Keywords: u.s. customs and border protection, border patrol, catalina island, illegal migrants, smuggling vessel, november 7 2026, California Post
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/11/10/us-news/feds-bust-boat-smuggling-18-illegal-migrants-off-california-coast
- Published: 2026-11-10T15:31:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: u.s. customs and border protection, border patrol, catalina island, illegal migrants, smuggling vessel, november 7 2026, news, entertainment
## 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.
## Key takeaway

U.S. Customs and Border Protection apprehended 18 illegal migrants from a boat near Catalina Island on November 7, 2026.