Coast Guard opens fire on boat smuggling 25 Chinese nationals near Florida after it refused to stop
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The U.S. Coast Guard fired on a boat off the Florida coast after its crew ignored repeated orders to stop, in what officials described as a sharp reminder that America’s borders are closed to unlawful entry “by land or sea.” The vessel was allegedly attempting to bring 25 Chinese nationals into the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security said the incident happened June 10, when a boat carrying 25 Chinese migrants approached waters about one mile south of Key Biscayne and failed to comply with Coast Guard commands.

According to DHS, crews from Coast Guard Station Miami Beach first used warning shots. When the vessel still did not stop, officers escalated to disabling fire, which brought the boat to a halt. Officials said no one was injured.

Authorities arrested dozens of migrants who said they were from China after the vessel was stopped off Florida’s coast, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

After the interdiction, the Chinese nationals were taken aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell for processing, while the seized vessel was towed back to Station Miami Beach.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations then opened a criminal probe into the suspected smuggling attempt, with support from Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations unit.

DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis delivered a stern warning following the bust.

Special agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) responded to the interdiction and initiated a criminal investigation. (Charly Triballeau/AFP)

“This sends a clear message to illegal aliens attempting to enter the United States: don’t even think about it,” Bis told News Agency. “By land or sea, our borders are CLOSED.”

Lt. Matthew Ross, commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Miami Beach, emphasized local, state and federal maritime law enforcement partners remain vigilant against unlawful migration ventures.

DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis

DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis told News Agency illegal migrants should not attempt to enter the country by land or sea. (@ushomelandsecurity via YouTube)

“Anyone considering one of these dangerous voyages should understand that they are risking their lives at sea and can expect to be interdicted and repatriated,” Ross said.

The enforcement action falls under Operation Vigilant Sentry, a layered approach by the Coast Guard and its partners to maintain a continuous presence across the Florida Straits, Caribbean Sea and surrounding waters to deter and prevent illegal maritime migration.

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