MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – 13 migrants were intercepted on a powerboat near Key Biscayne Saturday in what the head of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Miami sector calls a “maritime smuggling event.”
According to a tweet from Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar, the landing happened during the morning hours.
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Slosar said the USBP encountered migrants from China, Ecuador, Cuba, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
According to Miami-Dade police, officers observed the powerboat and discovered individuals hiding inside of it.
Miami-Dade police said since the incident occurred in open water, they contacted federal partners and they assumed control of the investigation.
It’s yet another instance of migrants taking to the seas on a potentially treacherous journey to Florida.
Authorities said the smuggling event is under investigation.
Local 10 News reporter Janine Stanwood contributed to this report.
#𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜: U.S. Border Patrol agents & @HSTF_Southeast responded to a maritime smuggling event that was interdicted near Key Biscane & encountered 13 migrants (China, Ecuador, Cuba, Jamaica, Dom. Republic). Event is under investigation.#saturdaymorning #miami #florida pic.twitter.com/ReYlAj24o2
— Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar (@USBPChiefMIP) April 29, 2023