Coast Guard Stops Boat Carrying 21 People Near La Jolla

SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard stopped a boat carrying 21 people Sunday evening near La Jolla, officials said.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter David Duren interdicted the suspected migrants aboard a 30-foot vessel about 26 miles west of La Jolla. The cutter's boarding team intercepted the vessel carrying 18 adults and three minors, according to the Coast Guard. Two of the minors were unaccompanied teens.

Crewmembers aboard the David Duren detained the people onboard and transferred them to another Department of Homeland Security agency at Ballast Point for further investigation.

Of the 21 people, 17 claimed Mexican nationality, three claimed Venezuelan nationality and one claimed Honduran nationality.