PALM BEACH, Fla. — Unlike the Southern border, Florida’s border extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico and often migrants make it to our shores here in South Florida.
Friday morning, the U.S. Border Patrol took 22 people into custody after a “smuggling event” near Palm Beach and Lake Worth Beach.
According to officials, the 25-foot boat was found with 22 foreign nationals on board between the south end of the Town of Palm Beach and north of the Lake Worth Pier.
Palm Beach police say 14 of the people were Haitian and they were all wearing masks.
#BreakingNews; Early this morning, Miami Sector #BorderPatrol Agents along with state & federal partners responded to a maritime smuggling event that made landfall on a vessel near Palm Beach #Florida. Currently, 22 foreign nationals are in federal custody. @CBPAMO @USCGSoutheast pic.twitter.com/SQGIDcvL7s
— Chief Patrol Agent Thomas G. Martin (@USBPChiefMIP) March 26, 2021
Officials say they are now searching on water and land for anyone else who may have be a part of the operation.