On February 11, 2025, Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, intercepted a maritime smuggling attempt near the Florida coast. The operation prevented the illegal entry of 13 individuals.

Marine Interdiction Agents from the Miami Marine Unit spotted a vessel without navigation lights shortly after 9:00 p.m. The vessel operator did not comply when agents attempted to stop it. Agents then initiated the Small Boat Interdiction Program (SBIP) by deploying a marine warning round, which resulted in the vessel stopping.

The vessel was described as an 18-foot blue center console with a single engine, operated by an adult male Bahamian national. Upon boarding, agents found 12 individuals attempting to enter the United States illegally.

During the transfer process, one woman became unresponsive and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The other individuals were transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous for repatriation.

AMO is responsible for safeguarding national security through aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise and partnerships at borders and beyond. It operates throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

For more information on Air and Marine Operations, visit www.cbp.gov or follow AMO on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline agency for border management, employing over 65,000 personnel who protect America across various environments while facilitating lawful travel and trade.