Two men accused of trying to of traveling to Cuba to smuggle migrants back 

Two men were arrested this week in Florida after they tried to travel to Cuba to pick up migrants and bring them back to the United States, authorities reported. 

The police were notified at around 4:48 p.m. about a truck towing a boat that was blocking traffic near Mile Marker 56, according to Monroe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Adam Linhardt. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found the truck and trailer nearby at the Quay Boat Ramp. 

The U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations team also responded to the scene. 

“The trailer had a flat tire and a damaged rim,” Linhardt said in a press release. “The cabin-style cruiser had three 55-gallon drums of fuel on board as well as a fuel transfer pump, satellite phone, a GPS with waypoints to Cuba, multiple gallons of marine oil, a large amount of water and soft drinks, and numerous life jackets.”

Victor Manuel Rios Castillo, 29, of West Palm Beach confessed to trying to go to Cuba to pick up migrants to smuggle them back to the country. Jorge Luis Fernandez Rodriguez, 53, said he was aware of the fuel drums in the boat he was towing. 

Rios Castillo was arrested on a charge of attempted human smuggling. Fernandez Rodriguez was arrested for transporting fuel illegally. Both men were booked into jail.

“Smuggling venture disrupted! Outstanding work & coordination between the Border Patrol, HSI & MCSO deputies. Smugglers will commonly overload these vessels with migrants & excessive fuel, placing anyone onboard at serious risk while at sea,” tweeted Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar. 

Smuggling venture disrupted! Outstanding work & coordination between the Border Patrol, HSI & MCSO deputies. Smugglers will commonly overload these vessels with migrants & excessive fuel, placing anyone onboard at serious risk while at sea. #arrested #florida #BREAKING https://t.co/yoiq8Z5TyX

— Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar (@USBPChiefMIP) September 13, 2022