Coast Guard Intercepts Vessel Carrying 25 Chinese Nationals Near Coast of Florida

Federal authorities announced Wednesday that the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a vessel carrying 25 Chinese nationals who were allegedly attempting to enter the United States illegally off the coast of South Florida.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the incident occurred on June 10 when a crew from Coast Guard Station Miami Beach encountered a vessel approximately one mile south of Key Biscayne, Florida.

Officials said the vessel failed to comply with orders to stop.

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The Coast Guard initially fired warning shots in an effort to gain compliance. When the vessel continued operating, personnel fired additional rounds that disabled the boat’s engine. Authorities reported that no injuries occurred during the interdiction.

After securing the vessel, Coast Guard personnel towed it back to the station. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Air and Marine Operations officers then assisted with processing and investigating the incident.

Homeland Security Investigations also became involved following the interdiction.

Federal officials said the vessel was carrying 25 Chinese nationals. Authorities have not released details regarding where the journey originated, and the circumstances surrounding the attempted entry remain under investigation.

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The Department of Homeland Security publicized the incident on social media and emphasized ongoing maritime border enforcement efforts.

“Last week, a Coast Guard crew out of Station Miami Beach encountered a vessel with 25 Chinese aliens attempting to illegally enter the United States,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis.

“This sends a clear message to illegal aliens attempting to enter the United States: don’t even think about it. By land or sea, our borders are CLOSED.”

By land or sea, our borders are CLOSED.

Last week, a @USCG crew out of Station Miami Beach encountered and disabled a vessel carrying 25 Chinese nationals attempting to enter our nation illegally. @CBP and @CBPAMO assisted following the interdiction, and @HSI_HQ initiated a… pic.twitter.com/KuN14qM0fn— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 17, 2026

The interception comes as federal authorities continue monitoring migration patterns involving Chinese nationals attempting to reach the United States through both land and maritime routes.

In recent years, many Chinese nationals seeking to enter the United States illegally traveled through South America before making the journey north.

A significant number crossed the Darien Gap, a remote region between Panama and Colombia that has long served as a route for migrants heading toward the U.S.-Mexico border.

However, crossings through the Darien Gap have declined significantly over the past year following border enforcement measures implemented by the governments of Panama and the United States.

As land-border crossings have decreased, authorities have continued examining alternative routes that smugglers may be using to move migrants toward the United States.

Maritime routes through the Caribbean and areas near the Bahamas have drawn increased attention from law enforcement agencies responsible for border security and coastal enforcement.

Federal data previously showed a sharp increase in encounters involving Chinese nationals during the Biden administration.

The number rose from 450 in 2021 to 2,176 in 2022 and exceeded 24,000 in 2023. By the middle of 2024, encounter totals had already surpassed the previous year’s figures.

Chinese nationals became one of the largest non-Latin American groups encountered attempting to enter the United States illegally during that period.

Authorities have reported lower numbers since 2025, though federal officials continue to investigate smuggling networks that facilitate illegal migration through both land and maritime channels.

The June 10 interdiction remains under investigation as federal agencies work to determine the origins of the voyage, any potential smuggling operation involved, and the intended destination of those aboard the vessel.

The Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations, and Homeland Security Investigations continue participating in the case.

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