A United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) from San Francisco interdicted three illegal aliens on a 20-foot vessel approximately six miles west of Imperial Beach on July 12.
At approximately 16:00, the MSST law enforcement team observed a vessel crossing the maritime boundary line without navigational lighting. According to the coast guard, the vessel initially complied with an order to stop but then attempted to flee when notified of an impending boarding.
The coast guard said its crew employed graduated use-of-force, including two warning rounds and three rounds of pepper ball munitions, which eventually led to the boarding team taking control of the vessel.
Two of the apprehended individuals claimed to be of Mexican nationality and one claimed Turkish nationality. All three were transferred to the custody of Department of Homeland Security partners at Ballast Point.