Law enforcement in Florida apprehended two dozen illegal migrants, including women and children, off the coast of Florida in a large fishing boat. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, successfully thwarted a human smuggling attempt at the Sebastian Inlet in Melbourne Beach.
The authorities acted swiftly on Tuesday night when they intercepted the vessel during a routine stop. Sheriff Eric Flowers of Indian River County highlighted the unusual nature of the boat, lacking typical fishing equipment, which raised suspicions.
Upon inspection, the police discovered 24 undocumented Haitian citizens on board, including men, women, and children. The migrants were promptly handed over to the U.S. Coast Guard for further processing.
The drivers of the fishing boat are now facing federal charges for smuggling, with suspicions that the boat originated from Brevard County, Florida. The Indian River Sheriff expressed gratitude for the seamless coordination between state and local agencies in apprehending the illegal migrants.
The U.S. Coast Guard has yet to comment on the incident. The Indian River Sheriff’s Office commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in upholding border integrity and safeguarding communities against illegal activities.
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