U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations intercepted a suspected migrant smuggling vessel on February 2, 2026, off the west side of San Clemente Island, California, in a high-risk maritime operation that ended with twelve illegal aliens detained, including three minors.

According to officials, the Long Beach Marine Unit launched after identifying a panga-type vessel traveling northbound in waters known for smuggling activity. Panga boats—low-profile, open fishing vessels commonly used in Mexico—have become the primary method for maritime migrant smuggling along the Southern California coast due to their speed, maneuverability, and ability to evade detection.

Video footage released from the operation captures the intensity of the interdiction. CBP’s Coastal Interceptor Vessel pursued the panga at high speed, issuing verbal commands and deploying visible law enforcement signals. When the vessel operator failed to comply, agents fired two warning rounds in accordance with maritime enforcement protocols designed to compel compliance while minimizing risk.

Authorities report that the operator continued resisting, prompting agents to deploy non-lethal pepper munitions and water-based disabling measures to halt the vessel safely. Once the boat stopped, officers boarded and secured all individuals onboard without further escalation. No life-threatening injuries were reported.

The operation underscores CBP’s layered maritime security strategy, which emphasizes surveillance, rapid response, and graduated use-of-force policies prioritizing de-escalation. Maritime interdictions present unique tactical challenges due to confined spaces, unpredictable vessel movement, and environmental hazards. Agents are trained to balance officer safety with the protection of migrants who are often placed at risk by smuggling organizations.

Panga vessels account for a significant share of maritime smuggling attempts off California’s coastline. Despite broader border encounters declining to record lows in late 2025, maritime routes remain active as transnational criminal networks adapt tactics in response to enforcement pressure.

All twelve individuals were taken into custody for processing under federal immigration law. The incident highlights the continued operational tempo of Air and Marine Operations units tasked with protecting U.S. coastal borders and disrupting smuggling networks operating in Pacific waters.