Illegal maritime immigration has increased on President Joe Biden’s watch, posing new challenges for US border security. Along the coast from California to Florida, the Coast Guard is increasingly being called upon to intercept crowded and dangerous vessels full of migrants escaping Haiti, Cuba, and other political and economic crises.
While interdictions remain underway, officials caution of increasing safety concerns, strained resources, and potential national security risks. Experts today liken the situation to the Channel crisis in Britain, where uncontrolled sea migration ran amok.
Surge at Sea, Not Just the Border
Maritime unauthorized immigration has quickened under Biden, spurred primarily by the breakdown of order in Caribbean countries. The Migration Policy Institute reports that deteriorating crises in Haiti and Cuba compelled thousands to take a chance at ocean voyages. The US Naval Institute certified maritime interdiction operations to be in a “state of emergency” in February 2023.
This is not limited to Florida. In California, the Coast Guard has intercepted vessels making landings along the border with Mexico. On July 12, three migrants were apprehended near Imperial Beach, San Diego County—two of alleged Mexican nationality and one stated he was Turkish. Previously, in January, 21 illegal immigrants bound for San Diego were intercepted in the same way.
Strain on Law Enforcement and Safety Risks
Every intercept is a high-risk mission. The Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are increasingly threatened, not only by unseaworthy boats, but by smugglers and would-be criminals.
Officials spoke of instances where initial interviews got nationalities wrong. Passengers reported themselves as Mexican, but checks found Guatemalan and Salvadoran nationals.
Coast Guard Lt. Zane Carter underscored the mission: “We are committed to our mission to protect America by protecting our maritime borders.” But the squeeze is on.
Florida Experiences the Brunt of the Crisis
In February 2025, the Coast Guard stopped a 30-foot pirogue south of the Florida Keys with 132 Haitians aboard. The officials processed and sent them back to Haiti, but such missions are expensive and risky.
These trips tend to be taken in overloaded boats with bad motors and minimal safety equipment.
The UK Warning
Simon Hankinson, a senior fellow at The Heritage Foundation, warned that the US could be repeating the UK’s mistakes. “I’ve seen a very different pattern between the UK and US coasts,” he said. Smugglers with high-speed boats pose one threat. Desperate migrants in fragile vessels pose another. Both are risky.
He referenced Britain’s Channel crossings, where almost 20,000 arrived in the country at sea in six months. “It’s a kind of national suicide by generosity,” said Hankinson, decrying sloppy vetting procedures such as accepting Palestinians through schemes intended for Ukrainians.
The Biden administration has a singular sea test ahead of it. Land border repairs won’t address this. The Coast Guard requires increased funding, improved intelligence, and strategic assistance. Otherwise, America’s coastal defences might crumble—just like the English Channel did.
