The U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego intercepted 11 suspected migrants about 13 miles northwest of Mission Bay, officials announced Friday.

Around 8 a.m. Thursday, the Coast Guard Cutter Forrest Rednour boarding team stopped an 18-foot panga sailing toward U.S. waters, according to USCG officials.

The 11 migrants, who claimed Mexican nationality, were transported to another department within the agency at Ballast Point, the USCG stated.

Officials with the Coast Guard stated that waters off Southern California were frequently patrolled to deter and respond to smuggling attempts along the U.S.-Mexico maritime border.

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