DUCK KEY, Fla. – A convoy of state and federal law enforcement headed to reports of stranded migrants near Duck Key Wednesday morning.
Florida Fish and Wildlife officers could be seen moving the migrants in small groups at a time off a mangrove island and bringing them to ritzy Hawk’s Cay.
After arriving, the group was interviewed and given water.
At one point, a medic checked a man’s eyes and made sure he was OK before the group was eventually taken into custody.
They said their propeller broke during their journey and was fixed at sea.
Migrant landings are happening daily in South Florida.
Wednesday also brought another day of stepped-up enforcement in the Florida Keys following an unprecedented surge of migration from Cuba and Haiti.
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Walter Slosar confirmed that Border Patrol agents and other law enforcement officials also responded to a maritime smuggling event Tuesday night.
In that incident, he said officials encountered 12 migrants who were from Haiti, Brazil and the Bahamas.
Fort Lauderdale, FL: Last night, U.S. Border Patrol agents with support from LE partners responded to a maritime smuggling event & encountered 12 migrants of mixed nationalities (9- Haiti, 2- Brazil, 1- Bahamas). Event is under investigation.#fortlauderdale #miami #florida #cbp pic.twitter.com/4AkOoHgQ9K
— Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar (@USBPChiefMIP) January 11, 2023