Executive Assistant Commissioner Jonathan P. Miller, Air and Marine Operations | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Air and Marine Operations (AMO), part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, disrupted a maritime smuggling operation off the Florida coast on Tuesday. The intervention led to the arrest of 24 individuals without valid documentation and the seizure of two vessels.
On February 18, an AMO Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft detected a suspicious vessel near Bimini, Bahamas. AMO Coastal Interceptor Vessel crews were alerted with updated location details. By 3:00 p.m., agents intercepted a white 27-foot twin-engine Sea Ray near Elliott Key, Florida.
Upon inspection, agents found several individuals on deck and others hidden under seats. All were transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous for processing.
The operator of the first vessel revealed plans to meet a second boat. During transit, AMO agents interdicted this second vessel east of Elliott Key. It was identified as a blue 22-foot Angler carrying two people—a U.S. citizen and a lawful permanent resident—linked to the smuggling attempt.
Both vessels were seized by AMO’s Miami Marine Unit and taken to U.S. Coast Guard Station Miami Beach.
Among those apprehended were 21 Chinese nationals, one Ecuadorian, one Colombian, and one Dominican adult male suspected of being involved in smuggling activities.
AMO plays a critical role in national security through aviation and maritime law enforcement across various regions including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as "America's frontline," emphasizing its mission to protect borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
