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A joint operation involving several law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrest of nearly 30 individuals in Coral Gables on Friday, January 19, as part of an investigation into a possible case of human trafficking or smuggling.
Among those arrested is a Cuban who was detained alongside several others, including women and men of various nationalities, reported the channel NBC Miami.
The operation began at 9:30 a.m. when a security guard, part of a local neighborhood association, reported what she believed to be an ongoing kidnapping on Old Cutler Road.
The security of the area observed two suspicious vehicles: a U-Haul truck and a Toyota, both involved in what authorities initially interpreted as a possible abduction case.
According to the police chief of Coral Gables, Ed Hudak, 23 people were found in the U-Haul truck, which contained 6 women and 15 men from China, alongside a Cuban man and an Ecuadorian woman.
In the Toyota, there were two Cuban men, a Brazilian woman, and two men from Ecuador.
Although the numbers varied at first, it was confirmed that more than 30 people were involved in the operation.
In addition to the Coral Gables Police, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and National Security officers also participated.
The operation also included maritime patrols, as it is suspected that the group was transported by sea to the south of Coral Gables before being moved in the van.
Hudak explained that the detained individuals could be involved in a human smuggling network, aimed at assisting migrants in illegally reaching the United States.
However, authorities are investigating whether it is also a human trafficking network, where victims, once in the country, would be subjected to labor exploitation or criminal activities.
The police chief explained that the case began as a response to an ongoing kidnapping, which prompted a swift mobilization of security forces.
"As police officers, when we hear that kind of call, we act immediately," Hudak said.
"It was a joint effort, and all the officers from the south of Coral Gables rushed to the scene as quickly as possible," he emphasized.
All the detainees were placed in the custody of federal authorities after being verified by rescue teams, which confirmed that they did not have serious injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Migrants in Miami and Human Trafficking
How many people were arrested in the Coral Gables operation?
Nearly 30 people were detained during a joint operation involving several law enforcement agencies in Coral Gables, including a Cuban and other migrants from various nationalities.
What was the reason for the operation in Coral Gables?
The operation was carried out in response to a possible case of human trafficking or smuggling, following a report of an ongoing kidnapping. The authorities are investigating whether it is a human trafficking network, with the aim of exploiting migrants for labor once they are in the United States.
Which agencies participated in the Coral Gables operation?
In addition to the Coral Gables Police, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security officers participated. The operation included maritime patrols due to suspicions of maritime transport of migrants.
What happens to the detainees in this type of operation?
The detainees are placed under the custody of federal authorities after being checked by rescue teams to confirm they do not have serious injuries. Subsequently, their involvement in possible trafficking or smuggling networks is investigated.
How is human trafficking being addressed in the United States?
U.S. authorities are intensifying their efforts to combat human trafficking, conducting joint operations and collaborating among various security agencies. Work is being done to dismantle human trafficking networks and ensure the safety of vulnerable migrants.
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