Immigrants detained after boat transporting them stopped at inlet
By Ed Bierschenk (Contact)
Originally published 01:56 p.m., July 19, 2008
Updated 02:26 p.m., July 19, 2008


Ruben Hernandez


MARTIN COUNTY — Nearly 30 immigrants believed to be from Cuba were detained after the boat transporting them was stopped in the St. Lucie Inlet at around midnight Friday.

According to a Martin County Sheriff’s Office report and an arrest affidavit, five of the 28 immigrants remained on the boat after it reached shore near the St. Lucie State Park, about 100 yards south of Schooner Oaks.

The other 23 immigrants reportedly jumped from the boat after it reached the dock and were captured in the general area after an extended search.

The five who were detained on board were turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard to be returned to Cuba, according to the report. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials took the custody of the other 23 individuals.

The five detained on board reportedly told officers that they and the other 23 individuals were Cuban nationals and the 23 who fled were scared of being captured and returned to Cuba.

According to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, arrival in the U.S. in a place other than an official port-of-entry is grounds for removal. But unlike other immigrants, Cubans can remain if they set foot on U.S. soil through the controversial “wet foot, dry foot" policy. The Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 also allows Cubans to apply for residency and eventual citizenship.

The boat captain, Ruben Hernandez, 26, of Key West, was arrested by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer Richard M. Ornold on charges of fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement vessel, resisting an officer with violence, and reckless operation of a vessel.

Ornold and Martin County Sheriff’s Deputy William J. Brown were patrolling the inlet when they spotted a large, white sport fishing vessel operating without a navigation light that had partially run aground on a sand bar. According to Ornold, Hernandez said he had been sword fishing and his steering wheel had broken when entering the inlet.

Ornold said when he told Hernandez he was coming aboard, Hernandez gunned the throttle and fled. When the boat finally stopped at the dock, numerous people jumped onto the dock. Ornold said he had to tackle Hernandez on the dock to prevent his escape and both Hernandez and some of the Cuban nationals tried to push him off the dock.

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