IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. - U.S. Border Patrol San Diego Sector and U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego personnel deterred 13 people from attempting a dangerous maritime border crossing near Imperial Beach on Sunday evening.

At 8:40 p.m., a U.S. Coast Guard drone team detected nine people swimming north across the international maritime boundary toward the United States. After a Coast Guard drone detected and illuminated the swimmers, the group turned south and returned to Mexico.

Minutes later, Coast Guard personnel detected four additional suspected illegal aliens swimming north in the same area. The swimmers also turned south after personnel spotted them. By 9:22 p.m., all 13 people had returned to Mexico without incident.

The incident occurred following rainfall in the region when sea conditions are dangerous. Attempting to cross the maritime border by swimming can expose people to cold water, strong currents, contaminated water, exhaustion, drowning and other potentially fatal hazards.

"Illegal maritime crossings are extremely dangerous and place lives at risk," said Justin M. De La Torre, chief patrol agent for the U.S. Border Patrol's San Diego Sector. "The coordinated response by the U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting human life and securing our nation's borders. Our message is clear, do not place your life in the hands of smugglers and do not attempt to enter the United States illegally; it's not worth your life."

The U.S. Border Patrol's mission is to protect the American people, safeguard the nation's borders and enhance the country's economic prosperity. San Diego Sector works closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal, state, local, tribal, and international partners to detect and deter unlawful border activity, disrupt transnational criminal organizations and protect human life.

The U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sector and its maritime partners will continue coordinating personnel and resources to deter unlawful crossings. People seeking to enter the United States should use lawful pathways and follow established entry requirements.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from the nation's borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at 619-498-9900.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

• Topics
• Arrests
• Smuggling
• U.S. Border Patrol