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Press Release | Sept. 4, 2025

Coast Guard interdicts 11 aliens near Church Rock, Calif.

U.S. Coast Guard District Southwest Public Affairs: (206) 815-6689

LOS ANGELES — A Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach boat crew interdicted 11 suspected aliens aboard a panga-style vessel near Church Rock, California, Tuesday afternoon.
At approximately 1:25 p.m., Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach watchstanders received a report of a panga near Church Rock and deployed a 45’ Response Boat Medium from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles-Long Beach and a MH-60T helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Ventura to  investigate.    

Baywatch Avalon self-launched, arrived on scene first, and discovered the vessel was disabled in 4–foot seas and taking water over the side. Baywatch Avalon placed the vessel in tow to stabilize the situation until they were relieved by Station Los Angeles-Long Beach. Ten adults and one accompanied minor were discovered aboard, all claiming Mexican nationality.

The Coast Guard crew transferred all individuals to another DHS agency at Dana Point, Tuesday evening.