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FIRST ON FOX — In a stark warning that U.S. borders are closed “by land or sea,” the U.S. Coast Guard opened fire to disable a noncompliant vessel attempting to smuggle 25 Chinese nationals into the country off the coast of Florida.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Fox News Digital that on June 10, a boat carrying 25 illegal immigrants from China refused to comply with Coast Guard orders to stop one mile south of Key Biscayne.
Crews from Coast Guard Station Miami Beach initially deployed warning shots, but when those proved ineffective, they used “disabling fire” to successfully halt the vessel, according to DHS. No injuries were reported.
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Dozens of illegal immigrants claiming to be from China were arrested after their boat was halted off the coast of Florida. (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Following the interdiction, the Chinese nationals were transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell for processing, and their boat was seized and towed to Station Miami Beach.
Special agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations launched a criminal investigation into the attempted entry, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations.
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis delivered a stern warning following the bust.
Special agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) responded to the interdiction and initiated a criminal investigation. (Charly Triballeau/AFP)
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“This sends a clear message to illegal aliens attempting to enter the United States: don’t even think about it,” Bis told Fox News Digital. “By land or sea, our borders are CLOSED.”
Lt. Matthew Ross, commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Miami Beach, emphasized local, state and federal maritime law enforcement partners remain vigilant against unlawful migration ventures.
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis told Fox News Digital illegal migrants should not attempt to enter the country by land or sea. (@ushomelandsecurity via YouTube)
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“Anyone considering one of these dangerous voyages should understand that they are risking their lives at sea and can expect to be interdicted and repatriated,” Ross said.
The enforcement action falls under Operation Vigilant Sentry, a layered approach by the Coast Guard and its partners to maintain a continuous presence across the Florida Straits, Caribbean Sea and surrounding waters to deter and prevent illegal maritime migration.