SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard conducted Alien Expulsion Flight Operations on Tuesday as part of a coordinated effort with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to enforce federal immigration laws, officials announced.
The flights, carried out in accordance with recent executive orders, are part of a broader strategy to detect, deter, and interdict individuals attempting to enter the United States unlawfully. The operations also target drug smugglers and those suspected of terrorist or other hostile activity before they reach U.S. borders, the Coast Guard stated.
The Eleventh Coast Guard District in California is leading the effort, coordinating multiple units across the country. Air stations in Elizabeth City, Kodiak, Sacramento, San Diego, and Hawaii are contributing assets and personnel to support the Department of Homeland Security-led initiative.
Under the current framework, the Coast Guard is transporting individuals to designated locations in Texas and California, where the Department of Defense will oversee their international removal.
Officials emphasized that the operation reflects an ongoing interagency effort to enhance border security and enforce immigration policies.