U.S. Coast Guard officers patrol the Intracoastal Waterway as President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump spend the final holiday season of his presidency at Mar-a-Lago on Dec. 28, 2020.
San Diego, California – The U.S. Coast Guard gave members of the media a rare, first-hand look at how it intercepts vessels suspected of smuggling migrants, showcasing its aggressive interdiction tactics in a live-action simulation on San Diego Bay.
Originally planned for the open waters of the Pacific Ocean, the demonstration was moved closer to shore due to inclement weather and poor visibility. In the staged scenario, one boat pursued another as officers attempted to force compliance using sirens and flashing lights. When the suspect vessel refused to stop, officers escalated their response, firing pepper balls at a dummy driver named “Oscar.” Only after this use of force did the simulated smuggler yield, allowing officers to board and secure the vessel.
The demonstration highlighted the Coast Guard’s increased presence along the southern border. “We’ve essentially tripled the amount of Coast Guard assets on the southern border in the last two months,” said Peter Nelson, Officer in Charge of Coast Guard Station San Diego.
Despite these reinforcements, the number of migrant vessel interdictions has remained steady over the past few years. Coast Guard statistics show that, since the current fiscal year began on October 1, 2024, there have been 260 interdictions. This follows 561 interdictions in fiscal year 2024 and 703 in fiscal year 2023.
“The one thing that has changed is the amount of boats and aircraft in the area to help detect and interdict people coming across,” Nelson noted. He explained that the Coast Guard is working alongside multiple federal agencies to curb maritime smuggling efforts.
“We have additional helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, and we’re coordinating with agencies like Customs and Border Protection, which has increased its air patrols,” Nelson said. “The U.S. Navy also has a vessel equipped with a Coast Guard law enforcement team on board to help us secure the border.”
A critical asset in the Coast Guard’s interdiction efforts is its fleet of high-speed boats, capable of reaching up to 50 miles per hour. “We’re encountering everything from pangas to recreational vessels to jet skis,” Nelson explained.
While most interdictions are peaceful, some encounters turn violent. “There have been times when smugglers have been very aggressive,” Nelson said. “They’ve thrown wrenches and tools at us, and even used their boats to ram ours.”
Beyond law enforcement, Nelson emphasized the Coast Guard’s humanitarian mission. Many migrants attempting the journey board unsafe vessels under dangerous conditions, often traveling late at night in turbulent waters. “Our main goal is always the safety of those on board,” Nelson stressed.
As migrant smuggling efforts persist, the Coast Guard and its federal partners continue ramping up their enforcement, aiming to curb illegal crossings while ensuring the safety of those who attempt the treacherous journey.
