Miami Men Admit Guilt in Massive Smuggling Scheme Involving 69 Migrants

Miami Men Admit Guilt in Massive Smuggling Scheme Involving 69 Migrants

Two Miami men, Ezequiel Perez Benitez, 37, and Miguel Avoy, 36, have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with a maritime alien smuggling conspiracy that involved 69 undocumented migrants from countries such as China and Ecuador. This troubling operation was uncovered during a series of smuggling runs conducted between July 2024 and March 2025, utilizing „go-fast“ boats that departed from Miami-Dade County heading for the Bahamas. The boats made their way back carrying migrants attempting to enter the U.S. unlawfully, but were intercepted by Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP-AMO) and the U.S. Coast Guard in U.S. waters, as reported by CW34.

In these harrowing circumstances, the migrants faced a grim fate: they were either prosecuted for illegal reentry, returned to the Bahamas, or handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for further proceedings. A third co-defendant in the case, Baisheng An, a Chinese national, had previously pleaded guilty to similar charges in June. Following the recent developments, Avoy was sentenced to two years in federal prison on August 8, while Perez is awaiting his sentencing set for October 30, where he faces the possibility of up to 10 years in prison and a hefty fine of $250,000.

Broader Implications of Smuggling Operations

The operations carried out by Perez and Avoy raise critical concerns regarding the ongoing struggles with undocumented migration and smuggling in the United States. The investigation that led to their arrest involved a collaborative effort from several agencies, including HSI Miami and the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast District. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner Stiehl is leading the prosecution, emphasizing the seriousness and the collaborative nature of the federal response to these criminal activities.

These smuggling efforts underscore the vulnerabilities within the nation’s borders and the urgent need for effective countermeasures. As the United States grapples with these challenges, the situation also shines a light on related issues in maritime security and national preparedness, notably an Executive Order aimed at revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry.

Forging a Path Forward: Reviving Shipbuilding

The Executive Order reflects a growing consensus in Washington that shipbuilding is key for both economic competitiveness and national security. As noted by CSIS, the erosion of U.S. shipbuilding capacity poses risks, potentially undermining military readiness and increasing dependence on foreign vessels, especially from China. With the People’s Liberation Army Navy projected to outpace the U.S. Navy in the number of warships by 2030, this concern cannot be brushed aside.

The Executive Order introduces a Maritime Action Plan designed to coordinate efforts across multiple government agencies to tackle these pressing issues. Key components include authorizing investments in the industrial base and establishing a maritime security trust fund. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of a trained maritime workforce and modernizing the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Through these initiatives, the hope is to bolster domestic shipbuilding, enhance collaboration with allies, and ultimately shift the global demand for ships away from Chinese shipyards. As the international landscape evolves, these changes seek not just to enhance America’s maritime capabilities, but also to ensure a balanced military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

In sum, while two men face justice for their roles in smuggling operations, the broader implications of maritime security and national readiness are being addressed at higher levels of governance. It’s a dance of policies and measures that the nation must navigate carefully in these turbulent times.