18 ILLEGAL Aliens BUSTED in Florida—Smugglers CAUGHT Red-Handed During Chase!
A high-stakes maritime operation off Florida, led to the arrest of two smugglers and 18 undocumented individuals hiding in a boat’s cabin. 🌐 #News #KeyLargoFL #Florida #Crime
KEY LARGO, FL — A joint operation between Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard led to the arrest and sentencing of two maritime smugglers and one illegal alien following an interdiction on October 25, 2024. The incident unfolded 11.5 nautical miles east of Key Largo, Florida, resulting in the seizure of a vessel and the detention of 20 individuals.
Suspicious Vessel Sparks Investigation
The operation began when the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Man O War spotted a 26-foot Pursuit vessel, registered in Florida, operating without lights near Key Largo.
The crew observed the boat engaging in an at-sea transfer with another vessel close to Bimini, Bahamas. Alerted to the suspicious activity, the Man O War team coordinated with AMO’s Miami Marine Unit (MMU) to intercept the target.
MMU agents located the vessel on radar and moved to stop it. When the boat initially refused to halt, agents fired two marine warning rounds, prompting the vessel to comply.
Upon boarding, agents found 18 individuals hidden inside the cuddy cabin, none of whom possessed valid documentation to enter or remain in the United States. In total, 20 people were aboard, including two suspected smugglers.
Arrests and Seizure Follow Swift Action
All individuals on the vessel were transferred to U.S. Coast Guard custody for processing. The boat was seized under Title 8 U.S. Code § 1324, a law prohibiting alien smuggling. Among those detained, two suspected smugglers and one previously removed illegal alien faced prosecution.
The vessel’s operator was sentenced to 37 months in prison, while the co-operator received a one-year prison term. The previously removed illegal alien was charged with a felony. After serving their sentences, all three individuals will be handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
Ongoing Efforts to Secure Borders
AMO continues to carry out its mission across air and maritime environments in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The agency works to combat illegal activities, including smuggling, along the nation’s borders and waterways.
A Moment for Reflection
The 18 illegal immigrants, concealed in a vessel’s cuddy cabin off Key Largo, endured harsh conditions, and their fate warrants consideration as they face prosecution and likely removal from the country. The Florida community, supported by the relentless efforts of AMO and the U.S. Coast Guard, stands firm in rooting out illegal smuggling, demonstrating its resolve against such violations. This incident sparks hope that unwavering action and vigilance can build a stronger, safer border for everyone. Thanks for reading this article, we appreciate it! Until next time, remember: you deserve to feel good today! — Jack and Kitty Norton, Founders and Editors
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Florida
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
