KEY LARGO, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2023) — FHP and U.S. Border Patrol captured 17 Chinese Nationals who landed on Key Largo by boat on Sunday.

Several law enforcement agencies were involved in the capture of 17 Chines Nationals in the Florida Keys after a boat landed in Key Largo, near mile marker 109, according to reports from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) says they have successfully captured and detained 20 individuals who arrived in Key Largo by boat without proper documentation. On October 22nd, the FHP responded to a request from the U.S. Border Patrol to establish a secure perimeter at Mile Marker 109 in Monroe County and assist in apprehending the suspects.

Among those who were detained, there were 17 individuals from China (11 adult males and six adult females) and three individuals from Ecuador (all adult males).

The Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Dave Kerner, expressed that while the Biden Administration has faced challenges in border security, the Florida Highway Patrol troopers remain committed to protecting our borders—whether it’s along the southwestern United States or here off the coast of Florida. He emphasized that detaining Chinese nationals highlights how an open border can allow individuals from potentially adversarial nations to enter our communities.

Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order #23 03 on January 6th, 2023. In a press release, DeSantis said “As the negative impacts of Biden’s lawless immigration policies continue unabated, the burden of the Biden administration’s failure falls on local law enforcement who lack the resources to deal with the crisis. That is why I am activating the National Guard and directing state resources to help alleviate the strain on local resources. When Biden continues to ignore his legal responsibilities, we will step in to support our communities.”

Executive Order #23 03, also known as Operation Vigilant Sentry, not only activates the Florida National Guard but also instructs state law enforcement agencies to provide assistance to local governments dealing with the growing number of migrants arriving in the Florida Keys.

Once they were recovered, the individuals were taken into custody by the U.S. Border Patrol for processing.