Coast Guard detains over 20 migrants on boat off California coast
Newport Beach Mayor Calls Out State Lawmakers Over Migrant Boat Apprehension
Newport Beach, California Mayor Will O’Neill is not holding back in his criticism of state lawmakers after the Coast Guard intercepted a boat carrying 21 migrants nearly a mile off the coast on Thursday. According to a report from FOX 11 in Los Angeles, the group of migrants included 18 individuals from Mexico, two from Uzbekistan, and one from Russia.
In a scathing rebuke directed at California lawmakers, Mayor O’Neill exclaimed, “There’s no way you intend on trying to protect Uzbeki nationals coming in from our southern border. Get your act together, figure this out, because we’re having real problems affecting real people in your cities all across California. You cannot continue to treat every city in California like a border city. You cannot put us in this position. We have real problems, and we need you to fix them now.”
The Coast Guard apprehended the 21 individuals on Thursday night after observing suspicious activity from the boat they were on, located about a mile from shore in Newport Beach. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Levi Read stated, “We come across boats on a regular basis, but not all the time do they have that many people on it.”
Mayor O’Neill expressed concern over the influx of individuals entering the U.S. through the southern border, particularly those from Uzbekistan, highlighting a systemic issue. He criticized the impact of SB 54, also known as the “California Values Act,” which limits cooperation between state law enforcement agencies and federal immigration officials.
This incident is not the first involving illegal immigrants in Newport Beach. In May, FOX 11 reported on another incident where more than 20 suspected migrants were seen disembarking a boat in Newport Harbor before dispersing into the town.
The 34-foot fishing boat used in Thursday’s incident was identified by the station, with a stack of life jackets visible inside. The 21 apprehended migrants were turned over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for further processing.
The ongoing challenges faced by Newport Beach and other cities in California underscore the need for comprehensive immigration reform and better coordination between local and federal authorities. Mayor O’Neill’s outspoken criticism serves as a reminder of the urgent need for action to address the complex issues surrounding border security and immigration policies.
Stay updated on this developing story as Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz and Louis Casiano continue to provide updates. For breaking news and updates, follow Greg Wehner on Twitter @GregWehner or reach out with story tips and ideas at Greg.Wehner@Fox.com.
