Authorities in Coral Gables, Florida, uncovered a significant discovery on Friday morning when 31 Chinese nationals were found inside a U-Haul van, prompting a multi-agency investigation. Coral Gables Police, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Border Patrol were alerted after a nearby security guard reported a potential kidnapping. This led officers to a scene near LeJeune Road and Ridgewood Road, where they identified two vehicles—a U-Haul truck and a car—and conducted a traffic stop on both.
Upon inspecting the vehicles, officers found a woman in the car and discovered 31 migrants inside the back of the U-Haul van. Authorities took five individuals into custody, including a Cuban man, an Ecuadorian woman, and a Brazilian woman in the car, along with two individuals operating the U-Haul.
While it’s not yet clear whether this incident is related to human trafficking or migrant smuggling, Coral Gables Police Chief Edward Hudak confirmed that the individuals found in the van were carrying paperwork, suggesting they may not have been held against their will. The case is still under investigation by authorities, including Homeland Security Investigations.
Further investigation revealed that the migrants had been dropped off near the southern end of Coral Gables and had made their way on foot to the U-Haul. Authorities believe they were likely dropped off by boat. Investigators are also probing whether the woman initially reported as possibly being abducted was attempting to escape from those involved in transporting the migrants.
A local resident, Kathy Parks, witnessed the unfolding situation and described seeing multiple street blockages and several people being escorted by officers. She also mentioned seeing people on the ground and later being transported by trolley for further processing.
All individuals found in the van were medically cleared and unharmed, as the investigation continues. Authorities are working closely with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to determine the nature of the operation.
