On January 28, 2025, Florida law enforcement agencies intercepted 26 Chinese nationals in Coral Gables following a citizen tip about vehicles suspected of transporting criminal aliens. Officers from the Coral Gables Police Department (CGPD), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and regional law enforcement partners responded to the scene.
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass stated, “In less than two weeks, we have seen two major criminal alien arrivals in Florida. What we saw today is a perfect example of how the actions of law enforcement are crucial to stopping the human smuggling we so frequently see coming into our state.”
The interdiction follows Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Operation Vigilant Sentry” Executive Order, which directs FDLE to coordinate Florida’s law enforcement response to the influx of criminal aliens. This latest incident comes just 11 days after a similar operation in Coral Gables, where over 20 individuals were detained, including three suspects facing human smuggling charges.
Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak credited an observant resident for reporting the suspicious activity, leading to the quick detention of the 26 Chinese nationals and two men—one from Puerto Rico and one from Cuba—who were found in two separate vans.
FDLE Miami Special Agent in Charge John Vecchio emphasized law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to combat human smuggling in Florida, thanking Coral Gables Police and other partners for their swift response.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.