18 migrants were apprehended after they arrived in Pompano Beach.
Eighteen migrants, consisting of five individuals from China and thirteen from Ecuador, along with the boat operator who was smuggling them, were apprehended by authorities on Tuesday morning.
The incident occurred as they were traveling through a canal that separates Pompano Beach and Lighthouse Point.
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue arrived at the scene located at 2400 NE 20th Ave., east of U.S. 1.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a total of 18 migrants were apprehended. Among them, five individuals were from China, while the remaining 13 were from Ecuador.
A group of migrants were transported by a vehicle and then proceeded to walk on foot to a nearby church, as confirmed by Pompano Beach Fire Rescue.
According to a local resident interviewed by CBS News Miami, the boat was traveling at a high speed in the canal when it collided with a stationary boat. The witness mentioned that there were several women and children on board at the time of the incident.
Personnel from the Broward Sheriff’s Office were also present at the scene.
