Photo: jetcityimage / iStock Editorial / Getty Images
Coral Gables, FL - A suspected human smuggling operation involving over 30 migrants, predominantly Chinese nationals, was uncovered after a report of an alleged abduction prompted swift action by law enforcement.
The case began around 9:35 a.m. on Friday when a security guard for a homeowners association in the Miami suburb reported witnessing what appeared to be an abduction involving a Toyota vehicle and a U-Haul truck.
Acting on the tip, Coral Gables Police Chief Edward James Hudak Jr. said officers quickly issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) alert to locate the vehicles.
Officers successfully stopped the vehicles and discovered a woman allegedly abducted inside the Toyota.
Further investigation revealed the U-Haul truck carrying 16 Chinese women, 15 Chinese men, one Cuban man, and a woman from Ecuador.
Another Cuban man, a Brazilian woman, and an Ecuadorian man were also found in the Toyota, police said.
“Officers opened the back of the truck, which revealed 21 predominantly Chinese nationals,” Chief Hudak told FOX News, adding that it is believed the migrants arrived by boat near Coral Gables before being loaded into the truck.
Authorities suspect the woman in the Toyota may have been trying to escape her smugglers.
The Coral Gables Fire Department provided medical care to the migrants, who were described as tired but otherwise in good condition.
The migrants have been handed over to U.S. Border Patrol, while four individuals tied to the operation were taken into police custody.
Authorities continue to search for the vessel believed to have transported the migrants, though no boats have been directly linked to the incident so far.
“This started off as a crime. The police department responded to that alleged crime by a very alert citizen. By that, I mean I think we’ve saved some lives," Hudak explained.