MIAMI — A Coast Guard Station Miami Beach law enforcement crew transferred five aliens to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation, June 28, following an interdiction approximately 11 miles east of Government Cut. The transfer was facilitated by U.S. Border Patrol.
Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge’s crew and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations agents interdicted an unlit vessel carrying five aliens and one U.S. citizen, June 25. The U.S. citizen was also transferred to HSI for further investigation immediately following the interdiction.
"Every successful interdiction reinforces our commitment to protecting America's maritime borders," said Lt. Zane Carter, commanding officer, Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge. "I could not be prouder of my crew's professionalism and their seamless integration with our partner agencies."
Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, aliens are processed to determine their identity and are provided food, water, shelter and basic medical attention before transfer or repatriation, as appropriate.
The Coast Guard, along with its Operation Vigilant Sentry partners, maintains a continued presence with air, land and sea assets in the Florida Straits, the Windward Passage, the Mona Passage and the Caribbean Sea. Operation Vigilant Sentry’s combined, multi-layered approach is designed to protect the safety of life at sea while preventing unlawful maritime entry to the United States and its territories.
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