Florida thwarts potential human smugglers, Haitian migrants repatriated, state says
MIAMI – Florida announced Monday that the state, working in conjunction with Miami police and federal authorities, has stopped a potential human smuggling operation.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Miami-Dade police stopped a 60-foot yacht that had 30 Haitian migrants and two purported human smugglers on Friday.
“All were taken into custody and turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard for repatriation,” the state said. “One of the suspected smugglers was transferred to Homeland Security Investigations custody.”
“Because of our efforts in South Florida, we are ensuring illegal aliens are turned away for repatriation before they reach the mainland,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “Since January of 2023, our efforts have led to the interdiction of more than 14,000 illegal aliens.”
“Our law enforcement is working diligently with local, state and federal partners to address the influx of migrants in the Florida Keys and along the coast through increased surveillance efforts and resources,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his leadership in addressing this important issue.”
Florida’s efforts against illegal migration into Florida ramped up with a January 2023 executive order from DeSantis, which activated the state’s National Guard and directed support to the “alarming influx of migrants” landing in southern parts of the state.
The order also provided support to prevent migrants from making it to Florida shorelines.
And in March, DeSantis sent more personnel south to quell a potential “invasion” from Haiti as the country faced a stark uptick in violence and political turmoil. No such “invasion” has happened, which DeSantis’ administration credits to its proactiveness.
