Coast Guard intercepts boat carrying illegal migrants as expulsion flight operations begin

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is currently engaged in a series of “alien expulsion flight operations” between California and Texas, with the goal of intercepting and removing illegal migrants attempting to enter the United States. One recent operation involved the USCG intercepting a boat carrying nine illegal migrants that was sinking in U.S. waters off the coast of San Diego.

The USCG is working closely with multiple Coast Guard units and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to carry out these operations. The recent operation off the coast of San Diego was led by the Eleventh Coast Guard District in California, with assets and personnel from around the nation being surged to support the Department of Homeland Security-led effort.

In the intercepted vessel, which began to sink shortly after being stopped by the USCG cutter Active, all individuals aboard were safely removed and transferred to CBP custody. The USCG flight operations transport these illegal migrants to designated locations in Texas and California, where the Department of Defense then facilitates their removal from the U.S.

Adm. Kevin Lunday, the Coast Guard’s acting commandant, emphasized the importance of these operations in protecting America’s borders and sovereignty. He highlighted the coordinated efforts between the Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense in detecting and deterring illegal activity before it reaches the U.S. border.

However, recent developments within the USCG have raised concerns. President Donald Trump recently fired Adm. Linda Lee Fagan, the former commandant of the USCG, citing issues with border security, recruitment, and an “erosion of trust.” Fagan allegedly failed to address border security threats, provide adequate leadership in recruitment and retention, and focused excessively on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Additionally, she was accused of covering up Operation Fouled Anchor, an internal investigation into sexual assault cases at the Coast Guard Academy.

Overall, the USCG’s efforts to intercept and remove illegal migrants from U.S. waters demonstrate the service’s commitment to maintaining border security and upholding national sovereignty. The collaboration between various government agencies in these operations is crucial in safeguarding the country’s borders and deterring illegal activity.