Federal Agents Disable Human Smuggling Vessel Off Miami-Dade Coast, 15 Migrants on Board

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents intercepted a human smuggling vessel off the coast of Miami-Dade County on March 11, 2026, disabling the boat by firing on its engines after the operator refused to stop during a pursuit — and no one was injured.

When CBP Air and Marine Operations agents boarded the 25-foot center console, they found 15 people aboard, hailing from the Bahamas, Haiti, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic, according to a federal criminal complaint.

Four individuals now face federal charges in connection with the incident, including the vessel's operator — who had previously been convicted on related offenses.

The interception highlights ongoing efforts by federal maritime enforcement to combat human smuggling along South Florida's coastline, a route that has seen persistent illegal migration activity in recent years.