Coast Guard Seizes 14 Mexican Nationals Off San Diego

The individuals were found aboard a 20-foot boat 18 miles west of Point Loma.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a 20-foot boat 18 miles west of Point Loma, California on Friday and took 14 individuals into custody, all of whom claimed Mexican nationality. The Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour's boarding team transferred the individuals to Coast Guard Station San Diego, where they were then turned over to another U.S. Department of Homeland Security agency for investigation.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to monitor and intercept unauthorized maritime crossings along the California coast. The apprehension of these 14 individuals raises questions about the motivations and methods behind such attempted crossings, as well as the broader challenges facing border security and immigration enforcement in the region.

The details

According to officials, the Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour detected the 20-foot cuddy cabin vessel at around 4:30 p.m. on Friday and launched a boarding team to investigate. The team found 14 people aboard the boat, all of whom claimed Mexican nationality. The individuals were then transferred to a boat crew from Coast Guard Station San Diego and transported to Ballast Point, where they were turned over to another U.S. Department of Homeland Security agency for further investigation.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, February 14, 2026 at around 4:30 p.m.

The players

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour

A U.S. Coast Guard vessel that detected the 20-foot boat and dispatched a boarding team to investigate.

U.S. Coast Guard Station San Diego

The Coast Guard station that received the 14 individuals from the boarding team and transported them to Ballast Point.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that took custody of the 14 individuals for further investigation after they were transferred from Coast Guard Station San Diego.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. authorities in securing the nation's maritime borders and addressing unauthorized crossings, particularly along the California coast. The apprehension of these 14 individuals highlights the need for continued vigilance and coordination between various law enforcement agencies to maintain border security.