Thread: FL: Charlotte County Sheriff finds 27 Cubans on island

Charlotte County Sheriff finds 27 Cubans on island
Originally posted on July 14, 2007

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office found 27 Cuban immigrants on Little Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County this morning, according to officials.

Dispatchers received a call at 6:52 a.m. from an island resident saying one of the Cuban’s who spoke no English was trying to ask for help.

When deputies arrived, they transported all of the immigrants, which included men, women and children, to Gasparilla Marina.

Deputies notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and they are en route to Charlotte County.

ICE agents will transport the immigrants to Homestead for processing later today.

The Red Cross has been contacted about providing dry clothing, food and water to the Cubans, according to officials.

There are conflicting reports as to how they arrived from Cuba to Charlotte County and the case is under federal investigation.

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll ... 14012/1075

Deputies notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and they are en route to Charlotte County.

ICE agents will transport the immigrants to Homestead for processing later today.

After processing they will be released into the population.