Illegal migrants apprehended off the coast of Florida in daring human smuggling attempt
Law enforcement authorities in Florida successfully thwarted a human smuggling attempt off the coast of Florida, apprehending two dozen illegal migrants, including women and children, on a large fishing boat.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, intercepted the vessel at the Sebastian Inlet in Melbourne Beach, Florida. The authorities acted swiftly after noticing the suspicious boat without any fishing gear, which raised red flags.
“We commend the tireless efforts of the F.W.C. and our dedicated law enforcement partners in upholding the integrity of our borders and safeguarding our communities,” the Indian River Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The illegal migrants, identified as undocumented Haitian citizens, were turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard. The drivers of the fishing boat are facing federal charges for smuggling, with authorities suspecting the boat originated from Brevard County, Florida.
The seamless coordination between state and local agencies was crucial in the successful interception of the smuggling attempt, highlighting the importance of collaboration in safeguarding the nation’s borders.
The U.S. Coast Guard has yet to respond to requests for comment on the incident.
The breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, is based in Orlando, Florida, and can be reached for story tips and ideas at sarah.rumpf@fox.com or on Twitter at @s_rumpfwhitten.
