DHS Operation Stops Alien Smuggling Attempt Off Miami Coast

DHS Press Releases

Filed March 18th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

DHS operations, including CBP, Coast Guard, and HSI, interdicted a smuggling vessel off the Miami coast on March 11, 2026. The operation resulted in the arrest of 15 individuals attempting illegal entry, with four facing charges for human smuggling and illegal re-entry.

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What changed

On March 11, 2026, a joint operation involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Coast Guard, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) successfully interdicted a suspected smuggling vessel off the coast of Miami. The operation led to the apprehension of 15 individuals attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. One Bahamian national operating the vessel and 14 other occupants, including individuals from the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Haiti, were detained. This action highlights the ongoing efforts to combat human smuggling operations at sea.

Four of the apprehended individuals, including the vessel operator, are facing charges related to human smuggling and illegal re-entry. The remaining 11 individuals were repatriated to the Bahamas. This event underscores the risks associated with maritime smuggling and the coordinated law enforcement response to such threats. Regulated entities involved in maritime activities or facing potential involvement in smuggling operations should be aware of these enforcement actions and the potential legal consequences.

What to do next

Review maritime security protocols for potential vulnerabilities.
Ensure compliance with all immigration and customs regulations regarding vessel operations and passenger manifests.
Report any suspicious maritime activity to relevant authorities.

Penalties

Four individuals arrested are facing charges for human smuggling and illegal re-entry.

Source document (simplified)

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DHS Operation Stops Alien Smuggling Attempt Off the Miami Coast

DHS Operation Stops Alien Smuggling Attempt Off the Miami Coast

Release Date: March 18, 2026
Efforts between U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard, and Homeland Security Investigations resulted in the arrest of 15 illegal aliens attempting to enter the U.S.

WASHINGTON — On March 11, at 11:45 p.m. EST, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) crew successfully interdicted a suspected smuggling vessel and apprehended 15 illegal aliens in a failed nighttime smuggling attempt off the coast of Miami.

“Human smuggling operations at sea put lives at serious risk. This mission highlights the success that DHS’s hard-working law enforcement officers can achieve when working jointly with other agencies and state and local government officials,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis, “We are thankful to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents, our U.S. Coast Guard Service members, and Homeland Security Investigations who protect this nation’s maritime borders and help dismantle criminal organizations that try to smuggle illegal aliens into the country.”

The crew aboard the CBP boat attempted to initiate a stop on the unknown vessel, which was running without lights to avoid detection. Our officers observed one adult male Bahamian operating the vessel and discovered 14 additional occupants onboard: four Dominican male adults, three Ecuadorian male adults, one Haitian male adult, one Haitian male minor, and five Haitian adult females.

A nearby Lauderdale Marine Unit vessel assisted in securing the scene and transporting all occupants to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) William Flores for processing.

USCGC Flores ' crew returned 11 of the illegal aliens to their origin country, the Bahamas, on Sunday.

The other four illegal aliens were subsequently arrested by DHS’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and are facing charges for human smuggling and illegal re-entry.