Coast Guard Interdicts 12 Chinese Migrants, 2 Suspected Smugglers 13 Miles East of Florida Coast
By Space Coast Daily // July 25, 2019
suspected smugglers were taken into Homeland Security Investigations custody
MIAMI, FLORIDA – The Coast Guard interdicted 12 Chinese migrants and two suspected smugglers Tuesday approximately 13 miles east of Fort Lauderdale.
The Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark (WPC-1101) crew located the motor yacht, Carefree, with 14 people aboard during a patrol and safely embarked the 12 Chinese migrants and two potential smugglers.
The two suspected smugglers were taken into Homeland Security Investigations custody and the 12 migrants were transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations custody.
“The Coast Guard maintains a focused and coordinated effort with multiple agency assets to interdict criminals in any attempt to unlawfully smuggle migrants by sea to the United States,” said Lt. Ray Lopez, chief of enforcement at Coast Guard Sector Miami.
“Migrants should not attempt to smuggle themselves into the country. They not only risk going to jail but also endanger their lives by entrusting smugglers to bring them across the water with little or no lifesaving equipment on board.”
Related Story:U.S. Coast Guard Interdicts Five Cuban Migrants 55 Miles Southwest of Marathon, Florida
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