U.S. Coast Guard Intercepts Vessel Smuggling 25 Chinese Nationals Near Florida

The U.S. Coast Guard opened fire on June 10 to disable a vessel that was attempting to smuggle 25 Chinese nationals into the United States, one mile south of Key Biscayne, Florida. The Department of Homeland Security reported that the boat refused to comply with orders to stop. Initial warning shots were fired, but when these were ineffective, disabling fire was used to halt the vessel. No injuries were reported. The Chinese nationals were subsequently transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell for processing, and the boat was seized and towed to Coast Guard Station Miami Beach. A criminal investigation into the incident has been launched by special agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. Lt. Matthew Ross of Coast Guard Station Miami Beach stated that law enforcement partners are vigilant against unlawful migration ventures.