At 9:30 a.m., the Coast Guard received a report from a Good Samaritan of suspicious activity aboard the 20-foot recreational vessel La Estrella, about 18 miles off Point Loma, Calif.  The caller reported that 20 people were on the small, overloaded vessel.  A vessel from Coast Guard Station San Diego, a vessel from Customs and Border Protection, and the Coast Guard Cutter Haddock were diverted to the scene, as well as a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew.

On board, they found the 20 migrants, who were embarked by Coast Guard Station and CBP vessels.

"We invite the help of America's boating public to assist the Coast Guard in keeping our waterways safe and secure," said Capt Tom Farris, Commander of Coast Guard Sector San Diego. "This is a good example of how a vigilant boater can directly contribute to the protection of our homeland.  We appreciate the Good Samaritan's assistance."

The Haddock towed the vessel to Coast Guard Sector San Diego. The migrants were turned over to Customs and Border Protection marine interdiction agents for further processing. 

San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Michael Fisher, who is a Department of Homeland Security Senior Executive Director, emphasized the importance strategic partnerships between the Coast Guard, CBP, ICE and the U.S. Attorney's Office.