MIAMI — U.S. Border Patrol agents with Miami Sector disrupted a maritime smuggling venture and apprehended 22 migrants near Miami on Sunday.
On August 26, U.S. Border Patrol agents aboard a local law enforcement vessel stopped a 33-foot vessel approaching Haulover Marina. Upon inspection, agents discovered 22 suspected illegal immigrants smuggled from the Bahamas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the circumstances in close coordination with U.S. Border Patrol.
U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to enforce immigration law while working closely with local, state and federal law enforcement partners across Florida as part of efforts to keep border communities safe.
“Smugglers often put lives at risk by overloading vessels and agents are working every day to secure the coastal border,” said U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector Division Chief Peter Daniel. “The U.S. Border Patrol's focus in Florida is to stop smuggling by prosecuting smugglers and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.”
As the agency charged with safeguarding America’s borders, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plays a vital role in protecting the national security of the United States and community involvement is an important aspect of the mission. Citizens can report suspicious activity to U.S. Border Patrol by calling 877-772-8146.
Download U.S. Border Patrol stock footage from the DVIDS - Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System. For breaking news and information updates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, follow @CBP @CBPFlorida and @CBPCaribbean on Twitter.