Florida authorities said a group of more than 30 migrants, mostly Chinese nationals, were found inside a U-Haul truck on Friday following reports of a suspected kidnapping.
Coral Gables Police Chief Edward James Hudak Jr. told reporters that a security guard at a homeowners association in the Miami suburb of Coral Gables reported seeing one around 9:35 a.m. The discovery began with the kidnapping incident.
The deputy reported seeing a Toyota and a U-Haul truck involved in the incident and immediately alerted patrol officers, the chief said. The officer then issued a "BOLO", or "on alert" alert to the vehicles.
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Coral Gables Police Chief Edward James Hudak Jr. spoke to reporters about a group of immigrants found in a U-Haul vehicle on Friday. (WSVN-TV)
The vehicles were stopped by police and the allegedly kidnapped women were removed from the Toyota. Police then began investigating the U-Haul truck, which contained 16 Chinese women, 15 Chinese men, a man from Cuba and a woman from Ecuador, according to police.
"The police opened the back of the truck and there were 21 people inside, most of them Chinese citizens," Hudak said.
In addition to the immigrants in the Toyota, police said there was a Cuban man, a Brazilian woman and an Ecuadorian man.
"We do believe these people were brought here by the water," the chief said. "We assume they were dropped off somewhere near the south end of Coral Gables and approached the truck they were loaded into on foot."
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On Friday, a U-Haul truck in which the Chinese immigrants were found was towed from the scene in Coral Gables, Florida. (WSVN-TV)
Investigators are looking into whether the possibly abducted woman was trying to escape from the alleged smugglers. The Coral Gables Fire Department responded and provided medical care to the migrants, who were "tired" but in good condition, police said.
"Today's event is a prime example of FDLE's support of the Governor's proposed special session to immediately address illegal immigration," said Florida Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass. "Enforcement actions are needed to prevent these frequent incidents at our southern border. an important part of the smuggling operation.”
The migrants were turned over to U.S. Border Patrol and four others were taken into police custody in connection with the incident.
"This started as a crime," Hudak said. "The police department responded to an alleged crime by a very alert citizen. I mean, I think we saved some lives."
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Authorities patrolling waters near the city intercepted several boats but have not yet identified the vessel transporting the migrants, authorities said.
Fox News Digital has contacted police and the U.S. Border Patrol.