CBP Air and Marine Agents Interdict Migrants in Florida at the Start of Memorial Day Weekend

Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine agents intercepted three undocumented migrants and two suspected smugglers at the start of the busy Memorial Day weekend.

At noon on May 23, CBP marine interdiction agents and Martin County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped the motor vessel “Keep Walking” as it approached the Sandsprit Park boat ramp and discovered three undocumented Brazilian Nationals and two suspected smugglers; one also a Brazilian national and the other a U.S. Citizen. The interdiction resulted from intelligence gathered by Drug Enforcement Administration and provided to CBP marine interdiction agents about a possible alien smuggling venture in the Treasure Coast.

Smugglers consider Memorial Day weekend an opportunity to conceal their illegal trade by attempting to use the holiday and heavy boating traffic as cover. This time, their tactics failed as CBP marine interdiction agents thwarted the alien smuggling effort through team work and information sharing between CBP, the DEA, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.

CBP Border Patrol processed the two suspected smugglers and three aliens and ICE is investigating the incident. CBP Air and Marine agents seized the 27-foot motor vessel. No injuries were incurred during the event.

Source DHS