MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities with the U.S. Border Patrol and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office stopped a suspected human smuggling operation involving more than 20 Cuban migrants Thursday morning.
According to MCSO spokesperson Adam Linhardt, deputies stopped a trailered center console vessel at the Marathon public boat ramp for having no tie-downs at approximately 8 a.m. after ew witnesses reported seeing a vessel matching that boat’s description offloading approximately 20 or more people earlier near the north end of the Seven Mile Bridge.
Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar, who leads the agency’s Miami sector, posted on X that Border Patrol agents arrested 21 Cuban migrants and detained multiple suspected smugglers.
Moments later, MCSO deputies then stopped an orange sedan and white van for speeding near Mile Marker 104 on U.S. 1 in Key Largo, Linhardt said.
Authorities said the passengers inside both vehicles matched the description of those seen exiting the boat near the Seven Mile Bridge.
No other information has been given at this time.
This is a developing story. Please refresh the page or watch Local 10 News at noon for the latest updates.
U.S. Border Patrol agents & @mcsonews conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 1 in Key Largo & arrested 21 Cuban migrants & detained multiple suspected smugglers. The case will be investigated along with @HSI_Miami partners. #keylargo #breakingnews #florida #thursdaymorning #arrest pic.twitter.com/sv67EsJd0s
— Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar (@USBPChiefMIP) September 7, 2023