US Coast Guard News

Coast Guard Interdicts 18 Aliens Near San Clemente Island

A Coast Guard boarding team from Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne (WPC 1131) interdicted 18 suspected aliens aboard a cuddy cabin-style vessel approximately 30 miles south of San Clemente Island on April 22, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m. All 18 individuals, who claimed Mexican nationality, were transferred to U.S. Border Patrol custody at Ballast Point following the interdiction. The vessel was detected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and intercepted without the use of force.

USCG Repatriates 21 Migrants to Dominican Republic Following Mona Passage Interdiction

Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Tezanos interdicted a makeshift vessel with 22 migrants aboard in Mona Passage waters off Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, on April 19, 2026, and repatriated 21 of the migrants to Dominican Republic Navy vessels off Punta Cana on April 20, 2026. One interdicted migrant was found to have an active Puerto Rico Police arrest warrant and remains in custody. The operation was conducted in coordination with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircrew as part of Operation Vigilant Sentry's continued maritime enforcement presence.

Saipan Waterway Opens Daylight Operations CNMI Ports

The US Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Guam and the Marianas lifted Port Heavy Weather Condition Whiskey at 3:30 p.m. on April 22, 2026, authorizing daylight-only vessel operations in Saipan — the first commercial access since Super Typhoon Sinlaku made landfall. USCGC Hickory (WLB 212) and an embarked U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team conducted underwater surveys of Saipan's waterways, clearing obstructions and replacing front and rear range boards before the channel was reopened. All three Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands port waterways are now accessible. Vessel operators must coordinate directly with the Commonwealth Ports Authority before approaching piers or facilities.