FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — Ten migrants were detained after a suspected human smuggling event near Seaway Drive, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
FDLE Fort Pierce agents confirmed the illegal migrants were from Jamaica, Haiti, and the Bahamas, and were intercepted as part of Operation Vigilant Sentry (OVS) — a statewide initiative launched by Governor Ron DeSantis to combat illegal immigration and smuggling along Florida’s coastline.
The boat, which beached near Fort Pierce Inlet around 2 p.m. on July 22, prompted a swift response from multiple agencies. Migrants scattered upon landing, but 10 were apprehended, and one person remains at large, last seen near Binney Drive wearing a white shirt and blue pants.
Three of the detained individuals were taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Participating agencies included:
- FDLE Fort Pierce
- Homeland Security Investigations Miami (@HSI_Miami)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (Stuart)
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (@MyFWC)
- St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office (@stluciesheriff)
- Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (@IRCSheriff)
- Fort Pierce Police Department (@FortPiercePD)
- St. Lucie Fire District (@StLucieFire)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Florida (@CBPFlorida)
- U.S. Coast Guard Southeast (@USCGSoutheast)
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 911. Authorities emphasized that individuals should not attempt to engage with anyone suspected to be involved…