Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, was instrumental in the prosecution and sentencing of two maritime smugglers and one illegal alien following an interdiction on October 25, 2024, near Key Largo, Florida.
The event began when the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Man O War detected a vessel without lights approximately 11.5 nautical miles east of Key Largo. The vessel, later identified as a 26-foot Pursuit with Florida registration, was observed conducting an at-sea transfer with another vessel near Bimini, Bahamas. The AMO’s Miami Marine Unit (MMU) was directed to intercept.
Upon detecting the target on radar, the MMU crew approached and attempted to stop the vessel, which initially did not comply. Agents fired two marine warning rounds, causing the vessel to halt. On boarding, agents found 18 individuals concealed inside without valid documentation for entry or stay in the United States.
A total of 20 people were encountered, including two suspected smugglers who were arrested and handed over to U.S. Coast Guard custody for processing. The vessel was seized under Title 8 U.S. Code § 1324 concerning alien smuggling violations.
The suspected smugglers and one previously removed illegal alien faced prosecution. The operator received a prison sentence of 37 months; his co-operator got one year. The previously removed illegal alien was charged with a felony. All three will be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings after serving their sentences.
"AMO safeguards our Nation by anticipating and confronting security threats through our aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise," said an AMO representative about their mission across various environments in the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
For further details on Air and Marine Operations, visit CBP.gov or follow AMO on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is described as "America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization" that facilitates safe travel and trade while enhancing national security through innovation and collaboration.
