Boat carrying hundreds of Haitian migrants makes landfall in Key Largo

Source: WPLG

KEY LARGO, Fla. – A total of 356 Haitian migrants made their way to the Florida Keys over the weekend before being taken into custody

Officials with the U.S. Coast Guard said the boat came ashore near the Ocean Reef community in Key Largo on Sunday afternoon.

Coast Guard crews and rescue workers responded quickly to help out the migrants, which included women and children.

Border Patrol officials said about 160 people tried swimming ashore.

“All of their lives were at-risk during the journey,” said Adam Hoffner of the U.S. Border Patrol.

Hoffner confirmed Monday that 158 migrants were taken into U.S. Border Patrol custody. He said the migrants “will be interviewed and processed for removal proceedings.”

“We do suspect this was a smuggling operation that did depart from Haiti,” Hoffner said. “Our concern right now is the safety of the migrants.”

According to Hoffner, “198 migrants who initially remained onboard the vessel were safely transferred by U.S. Coast Guard partners to one of their cutters.”

He said local authorities are arranging for the boat to be removed or disposed of.

This isn’t the first time this has happened near Ocean Reef.

In January, close to 100 people from Haiti made landfall nearby.

How We Can Help

If you, a friend or a family member find themselves in a situation such as this, please call the Law Office of Scott A. Ferris, P.A. at 305 670-3330 right away. Scott A. Ferris, Esq. is a licensed attorney who has been practicing law for 34 years. He is available whenever you need him to defend your rights. Please learn about our firm at www.FerrisLawFirm.com.

Republished by the Law Office of Scott A. Ferris, P.A.