MIAMI, USA (CMC) — The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says the authorities have detained several undocumented Jamaicans during a human smuggling attempt.
The CBP said the Jamaicans were among 14 people detained after a chase in waters off the south-east coast of Miami on February 7.
According to the CBP, there was one US legal permanent resident boat operator, and 14 migrants of various nationalities — from China, Sri Lanka, Jamaica and Ecuador — “without proper documentation for entry into the United States”.
“This movement of illegal migrants into South Florida came directly from The Bahamas. The interdiction was safely and successfully accomplished by CBP Marine Unit assets and partner agency assistance,” it added.
The CBP said the migrants will be deported, adding that the smuggler was arrested and detained by the Miami Marine Unit. “This coordinated use of AMO’s (Air and Marine Operations) air and marine assets is a shining example of our ability to detect and interdict vessels at sea,” said Tony Arevalo, director of marine operations for the CBP’s Miami Air and Marine Branch.
“We’ll continue to aggressively patrol to prevent illegal maritime activity,” he said.
