NewsNBC 7 San Diego — Local NewsAugust 11, 2026San Diego
U.S. Coast Guard reports 60 percent drop in maritime illegal immigration near San Diego
The U.S. Coast Guard reports that maritime illegal immigration crossings in the San Diego region have decreased by 60 percent compared to the previous year following the March 2025 national emergency declaration. Officials attribute this decline and an increased capture rate of 85 percent to the implementation of Operation Border Trident, which utilizes drones and remotely operated watercraft.
Read the full story at NBC 7 San Diego — Local NewsWhy It Matters
The shift in maritime border enforcement impacts regional security operations and the safety of individuals attempting to cross the Pacific coast, with smugglers now shifting routes further offshore toward Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
Key Facts
- Maritime illegal immigration crossings have fallen by 60 percent compared to the previous year.
- The Coast Guard's capture rate for maritime crossings increased from 50 percent to 85 percent in 2025.
- Operation Border Trident utilizes new technology including drones and remotely operated watercraft.
- Coast Guard crews patrol 8,000 square miles of ocean between Tijuana and Los Angeles.
- Smugglers are increasingly operating further offshore and moving into Los Angeles and Santa Barbara waters.
- The primary demographic encountered by the Coast Guard consists of males aged 18 to 40.
- Women and minors account for approximately 5 to 10 percent of encounters.
- Jet skis are the most frequently encountered vessel type used by smugglers.
- The Coast Guard reported approximately 300 encounters last year, a decrease from 18 months prior.
Who's Mentioned
personAdriana Jasso“Representative of the American Friends Service Committee.”other8,000“Square miles of patrol area covered by Coast Guard crews.”locationSanta Barbara“Area where smuggling activity has shifted.”locationLos Angeles“Area where smuggling activity has shifted.”other18“Minimum age of the primary demographic encountered.”other40“Maximum age of the primary demographic encountered.”organizationU.S. Coast Guard“Federal agency responsible for maritime border enforcement.”personChris Cumberland“Coast Guard Captain and deputy commander of Coast Guard Forces Southwest Border.”organizationAmerican Friends Service Committee“Organization commenting on the risks faced by migrants.”otherOperation Border Trident“The specific enforcement operation credited with increasing capture rates.”locationSan Diego“Primary area of focus for maritime interdictions.”