Discovery of U-Haul van filled with Chinese migrants follows release of Florida abduction report.
Police stated on Friday that the majority of migrants were Chinese citizens, alongside citizens from Brazil, Cuba, and Ecuador.
On Friday, Florida authorities discovered a U-Haul truck containing over 30 migrants, primarily Chinese citizens, following a report of suspected kidnapping.
An abduction was reported by a security guard for a homeowners association in Coral Gables at approximately 9:35 a.m., according to Coral Gables Police Chief Edward James Hudak Jr.
The chief stated that a patrol officer was immediately alerted after a Toyota and a U-Haul truck were reportedly involved in an incident by the guard, who then issued a BOLO for the vehicles.
According to police, the U-Haul truck carrying 16 Chinese females, 15 Chinese males, one male from Cuba, and a female from Ecuador was being investigated by officers after the woman who was allegedly abducted was taken from the Toyota.
Hudak stated that 21 predominantly Chinese nationals were found in the back of the truck when officers opened it.
A Cuban man, a Brazilian woman, and a man from Ecuador were among the migrants in the Toyota, police said.
"The chief stated that they believed the individuals arrived here via water and were likely dropped off near the southern end of Coral Gables before walking to the van for transportation."
The woman who was possibly being abducted was trying to escape her alleged smugglers, while the Coral Gables Fire Department responded to provide medical care to the migrants, who were "tired" but in good condition, police said.
"Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass stated that today's event serves as a prime example of why FDLE supports the governor's proposed special session to address illegal immigration immediately. He emphasized that the actions of law enforcement are crucial in preventing the smuggling ventures that occur too frequently on our southern border."
Four migrants were taken into police custody while the rest were handed over to the U.S. Border Patrol.
""The police department responded to an alleged crime by a very alert citizen, which I believe has saved some lives," Hudak said."
Authorities have not identified the boat in which migrants were transported, despite stopping several vessels near the city, officials stated.
Planet Chronicle Digital has reached out to the police and U.S. Border Patrol.
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