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Chinese Nationals Intercepted in Florida Smuggling Attempt
Confirmed
In Short: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Coast Guard intercepted a smuggling vessel off the coast of Florida carrying 22 illegal immigrants, including 13 Chinese nationals, in an extremely dangerous attempt to enter the U.S. through maritime routes.
The interdiction, carried out last week, resulted in the apprehension of one suspected smuggler, a Cuban national, and 21 other illegal immigrants, including eight Ecuadorian nationals and one Dominican national.
The 27-foot boat was intercepted near Key Largo, Florida, and all passengers were taken into custody without incident.
Sources told Fox News that it is rare for Chinese nationals to attempt to enter the U.S. through maritime Caribbean routes, which are typically used by Haitians, Dominicans, and Cubans.
During the Biden administration, Chinese nationals have typically entered the U.S. through land routes in California and Texas.
The incident comes after a similar event in June when the Coast Guard interdicted a vessel carrying 25 Chinese nationals attempting to illegally enter the U.S. near Key Biscayne, Florida.
The illegal immigrants were transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Pablo Valent for processing, and the vessel was seized.
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet Thursday in Washington, D.C.
What this adds
This incident marks a shift in the usual entry points for Chinese nationals attempting to illegally enter the U.S., highlighting the evolving tactics of human smugglers.
Background
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Coast Guard intercepted a smuggling vessel off the coast of Florida, carrying 22 illegal immigrants, including 13 Chinese nationals, near Key Largo.
What's confirmed
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard interdicted a smuggling vessel off the coast of Florida carrying Chinese nationals and other illegal immigrants. (Credit: Ozzy Trevino) A smuggling vessel filled with Chinese nationals and other illegal immigrants was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Coast Guard in what sources called a rare and "extremely dangerous" attempt to enter the U.S. through Florida.
- The interdiction, carried out by CBP alongside Coast Guard personnel, resulted in the apprehension of one suspected smuggler, a Cuban national, 13 Chinese nationals, eight Ecuadorian nationals and one Dominican national.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.