U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents intercepted a vessel carrying 13 undocumented migrants off the coast of south Florida. The interception took place on November 15 at around 8:40 p.m., when a Marine Interdiction unit detected a vessel operating without lights.
The vessel, identified as a 25-foot white twin-engine cuddy cabin, did not comply with the agents' orders to stop, prompting a pursuit by the AMO team. Once halted, agents boarded the vessel and discovered 13 Chinese nationals onboard—nine adult males, three adult females, and one minor—being smuggled. In total, 15 individuals were detained, including two suspected smugglers.
According to reports, there were no injuries among either the agents or those aboard the vessel during this operation.
AMO plays a crucial role in national security by addressing security threats through aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise. With approximately 1,800 federal agents and support personnel equipped with 240 aircraft and 300 marine vessels across the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, AMO conducts operations both at borders and within the nation's interior.
For further information about AMO's activities or news releases from CBP, visit their official website or follow them on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
CBP is recognized as America's frontline defense force; it is the largest law enforcement organization in the nation as well as the first unified border management agency globally. Over 65,000 members work to protect America by facilitating lawful travel and trade while enhancing national security through innovative practices.
