Federal immigration agents intercepted a vessel off Key Largo carrying more than 20 individuals from various countries, U.S Customs and Border Patrol said on Sept. 21.
CBP said an Air and Marine Operations aircraft conducting an Operation Vigilant Sentry patrol on Sept. 15 detected a surface target of interest near Angelfish Creek off the Florida coast. Agents from Miami and Key Largo coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard for an interdiction of the 27-foot cuddy cabin vessel without incident.
CBP agents found and arrested a suspected smuggler from Cuba, 13 Chinese nationals, eight Ecuadorian nationals and one Dominican national.
“This interdiction demonstrates the strength of our maritime partnerships and our commitment to stopping human smuggling organizations before they can put more lives at risk,” said Andres Blanco, CBP executive director for the Southeast region. “Those who attempt these dangerous voyages face arrest, prosecution, removal and the very real possibility of losing their lives at sea.”
U.S. Rep Carlos Gimenez, who represents the Florida Keys and Miami-Dade County, said he’s repeatedly raised concerns over threats to national security involving the Chinese Communist Party. Gimenez serves on the Select Committee on China.
The individuals were transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Pablo Valent for processing. The vessel was seized by authorities.
“The U.S. border remains secure due to highly capable teams and coordinated interagency enforcement,” said Lt. Corryn Ulrich, commanding officer of Pablo Valent. “We remain ready to save lives and enforce federal law at sea.”
