Federal prosecutors in Miami have charged two foreign nationals following the interception of a boat near the Florida coast. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stopped a vessel carrying 20 passengers from various countries, including China, Haiti, and Jamaica.
Demetrius Luciano Kemp, a 27-year-old Bahamian national, and Mikewendzly Nestar Norelus, a 22-year-old Haitian national, face charges in the Southern District of Florida. They are accused of failing to heave to under 18 U.S.C. §2237(a)(1). Kemp also faces additional charges for allegedly encouraging or inducing aliens to enter the United States unlawfully and re-entering the country after removal.
The incident occurred on February 9 when a U.S. Coast Guard cutter identified a go-fast boat approximately three nautical miles west of Bimini, Bahamas. The boat traveled without lights through international waters before entering U.S. territorial waters. Despite commands from CBP agents to stop, the vessel continued until it was disabled by authorities.
Upon boarding, CBP agents found Kemp and Norelus along with passengers lacking authorization to enter the United States. Biometrics testing confirmed that Kemp had been previously removed from the country in July 2024.
The defendants remain in federal detention pending trial while the other passengers were returned to the Bahamas.
U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida announced these developments alongside Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Office.
HSI Miami is leading this investigation with assistance from CBP and the U.S. Coast Guard's 7th District. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner Stiehl is handling prosecution duties.
It is important to note that criminal complaints are allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
Further details can be accessed via related court documents available on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida or through PACER under case number 22-cr-20255.