The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted and disabled a vessel carrying 25 Chinese migrants who were allegedly attempting to enter the United States illegally by sea, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
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The encounter occurred June 10 off the coast of Florida after the vessel failed to comply with Coast Guard orders to stop approximately one mile south of Key Biscayne, DHS said Wednesday.
According to the department, Coast Guard personnel opened fire on the vessel to disable it after its operators refused commands to halt. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Federal officials said the boat was attempting to smuggle 25 Chinese nationals into the United States.
“By land or sea, our borders are CLOSED,” DHS said in a statement posted on X. “This sends a clear message to ANY illegal alien attempting to enter the United States: don’t even think about it.”
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After the vessel was disabled, the passengers were transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell for processing. The vessel was then taken to Station Miami Beach, according to Fox News.
The incident has triggered a criminal investigation led by special agents with Homeland Security Investigations, a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations is assisting with the investigation.
Federal authorities said the interdiction was part of Operation Vigilant Sentry, an ongoing effort by the Coast Guard and partner agencies to deter and prevent illegal maritime migration in the Florida Straits, the Caribbean Sea and surrounding waters.
The operation maintains a continuous federal presence in the region to detect, intercept and disrupt attempts to enter the United States illegally by sea.
