A federal district judge in Miami has sentenced Cuban national Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Hernandez had pleaded guilty to charges of alien smuggling in January.
On September 29, 2024, officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted Hernandez, 35, while he was transporting 27 individuals on his boat from the Bahamas to the United States. These individuals were transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge, with officers confirming that all, except Hernandez, lacked authorization to enter the United States. It was determined by CBP officers that five of the individuals were Ecuadorian nationals who had been previously removed from the U.S.
Hernandez, along with the five Ecuadorians, were taken to shore for charges, while the remaining individuals were sent back to the Bahamas.
The sentencing was announced by U.S Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations, Miami Field Office.
The case was investigated by HSI Miami with assistance from CBP and the U.S. Coast Guard, 7th District. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner Stiehl prosecuted the case.
For further information, related court documents can be accessed on the District Court for the Southern District of Florida’s website under case number 24-cr-20458.