Police Intercept U-Haul Van Containing 31 Migrants, Mostly Chinese Nationals, in Coral Gables
Coral Gables police recently made a significant discovery when they intercepted a U-Haul van carrying 31 migrants, with the majority being Chinese nationals. The incident was prompted by reports of a possible abduction, which led to a swift response from law enforcement.
The situation unfolded at around 9:35 a.m. when a vigilant security guard for a local homeowners association witnessed what appeared to be an abduction involving a Toyota vehicle and a U-Haul truck. The guard wasted no time in alerting a patrol officer, resulting in a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) alert being issued for the two vehicles.
Officers were able to locate and stop both vehicles on South Le Jeune Road near Aurelia Avenue. Upon inspection of the U-Haul truck, they discovered a total of 16 Chinese females, 15 Chinese males, one male from Cuba, and one female from Ecuador.
It is believed that the migrants were smuggled into the U.S. by boat near the Snapper Creek Bridge before being loaded into the U-Haul truck and a small Toyota. Authorities suspect that one of the women found in the van may have been trying to escape from her smugglers.
The migrants were taken into custody, while the individuals suspected of being involved in the smuggling operation are currently under investigation. Coral Gables Police Chief Edward James Hudak Jr. commented on the incident, stating, “We do believe these individuals were brought here by the water. They were probably dropped off, we’re assuming somewhere around the southern end of Coral Gables and approached on foot to the van where they were loaded into.”
Watch the Coverage of the Incident:
