A joint operation by several security agencies in Coral Gables resulted in the arrest of 28 individuals, including migrants from China (21), Cuba (3), Ecuador (1), and Brazil (1), as part of an investigation into a possible case of smuggling or human trafficking.
Four of the detainees, two of whom are Cuban, are being investigated as alleged organizers of the network.
The case began on Friday, January 19, at 9:30 a.m., when a private security guard on Old Cutler Road witnessed what he described as a possible kidnapping.
The situation involved a U-Haul moving truck and a Toyota vehicle.
The guard immediately notified the authorities, triggering a massive response.
"When a kidnapping call is received in progress, it's a 'all hands on deck' situation," stated Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak at a press conference
Details of the operation
After stopping the two suspicious vehicles, authorities found 23 people in the U-Haul truck: 6 women and 15 men from China, one Cuban man, and one Ecuadorian woman.
The Toyota was carrying two Cuban men, a Brazilian woman, and two Ecuadorian men.
The 28 occupants were taken into custody and handed over to federal authorities for a more thorough investigation.
Hudak explained that the initial investigations suggest that the migrants may have arrived by sea, landing in the south of Coral Gables before being transported in the U-Haul truck.
Despite the deployment of patrol boats, the vessel used has not been located.
The police chief of Coral Gables detailed that an investigation is underway to determine whether it is a case of smuggling or human trafficking.
"Smuggling is a criminal aid to help someone enter the country illegally," explained Hudak.
"Human trafficking, on the other hand, involves exploitation, whether through debt bondage or criminal activities," he added.
The operation involved various security agencies, including the Coral Gables Police, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Hudak emphasized the importance of quick community action in this case and the effective coordination among security agencies.
Images from the place of detention, near Ingraham Park, showed several women being searched before being placed in custody, while other detainees were taken in a tram to a safe area.
Rescue teams present confirmed that all the migrants were in good health.
Of the 28 detainees, four are being investigated as possible organizers of the operation. Among them is a woman whose identity has not been revealed.
"This case demonstrates how a timely warning can prevent tragic outcomes," he concluded.
As of the writing of this note, the identities of those involved have not been disclosed.
The investigation continues to clarify the details and dismantle any criminal networks involved.
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