25-07-2025
Law enforcement agencies investigating possible undocumented immigrants landing in Fort Pierce
FORT PIERCE — Ten people were apprehended with one more still at large July 22 as a host of local, state and federal officials responded to a report regarding possible undocumented immigrants entering the local waterways, according to local law enforcement officials.
Sheriff Richard Del Toro, standing by the Fort Pierce Inlet under a hot sun, said that about 2 p.m. federal authorities contacted local officials about the incident.
He said a boat being followed by a sheriff's marine unit and the U.S. Coast Guard wound up beaching in the area of the inlet.
'Eleven people were on that vessel, began to basically scatter in different directions,' Del Toro said. 'Ten are in custody right now, one is currently at large.'
David Kahmann, of Fort Pierce, said he was in the area 'chilling out here doing my artwork.'
Kahmann said he likes watching the boats go in and out of the jetty, and noticed U.S. Coast Guard and other law enforcement boats going out.
'Kind of had the notion something was going on,' Kahmann said.
Kahmann said he eventually noticed a fishing boat come up to some rocks and saw people jumping out of the vessel.
He said he saw about six or eight people come off the boat.
A large crowd of law enforcement officials, including Fort Pierce Police and federal officials, milled about in a parking area near the Square Grouper Tiki Bar as a drone took off.
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Del Toro said some of the individuals are from Haiti, Jamaica, Guyana, Venezuela and the Bahamas. Three were taken to a hospital for evaluation.
'This is just textbook. This is what … our governor's been calling for, cracking down on illegal immigration, working with our federal partners,' Del Toro said. 'Everyone thinks that we don't have borders here. We do, and it's our waterways.'
Officials ask residents that if they see any suspicious individuals or activity to call 911.
(This story was updated with more information, photos and video).
Staff writer Jack Randall contributed to this report.
Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Law enforcement agencies investigating immigrants landing in Fort Pierce
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