Boat of 24 Illegal Haitian Immigrants Intercepted Off Florida’s Atlantic Coast

Florida officials say the boat also contained drugs, at least five children, night vision gear, and guns.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces deployment of National Guard, State Guard, and other law enforcement officers to the Texas border at a press conference in Jacksonville, Fla. on Feb. 1, 2024 (Courtesy of The Florida Channel).

WHITE HAVEN, Fla.—A boat of 24 illegal Haitian immigrants was apprehended near Florida’s Sebastian Inlet on Feb. 29, state authorities confirmed on March 15.

According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife (FWC) Commission, two FWC officers were conducting nighttime water-based patrol when they discovered a 42-foot boat approaching from offshore containing 24 illegal Haitian immigrants, including five children, drugs, night vision gear, and a captain who was armed with guns.