1 dead; 19 found in water near Hillsboro Beach

5 children among group of suspected Haitian migrants

HILLSBORO BEACH, Fla. – One woman died after she and 19 other migrants were found in the water off Hillsboro Beach early Monday morning.

Broward Sheriff's Office deputies said the woman drowned while trying to reach the shore with 19 other Haitian migrants. Her age and identity have not been released.

Hillsboro Beach police received reports of migrants coming ashore on a private beach about 2:15 a.m.

The U.S. Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies assisted BSO's marine patrol in the water rescue and recovery.

A spokesman for Hillsboro Beach police said five children were among the group.

Deputies said many of the migrants had already reached shore when authorities arrived, but two women were still in the water.

One woman was rescued and taken to Broward Health North. A second woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is investigating the illegal smuggling operation.

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