2 men arrested after Colombian soccer players report being followed

2 migrants arrested for targeting to Colombian soccer players in Fort Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Two men are in federal custody after members of the Colombian national soccer team, in town for a weekend matchup against New Zealand at Chase Stadium, said were followed by a suspicious vehicle on Thursday.

One team member, who did not want to be identified, told Local 10 he was running errands in his off time with another player.

After purchasing several iPhones from the Apple Store at the Galleria Mall, the players noticed a dark colored vehicle following them out of the parking lot, and then to a medical facility north on Federal Highway.

Fort Lauderdale Police confirm they “received a call from a victim stating they believed a vehicle had been following them from the 2400 block of East Sunrise Boulevard.”

“They were in their uniform, you know - their training uniforms,” said a team employee who declined to be identified. “I think for sure they were targeted.”

Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop, when sources said burglary tools and latex gloves were discovered inside the vehicle, which was a rental.

U.S. Border Patrol agents also arrived on scene.

In a statement, the agency told Local 10: “Border Patrol agents assisted the Fort Lauderdale Police Department with an investigation and arrested two illegal aliens from Colombia. Both illegal aliens have extensive criminal records in the U.S., to include Grand Theft, Robbery, and Burglary.”

Team president Ramon Jesrun said South Florida is a welcoming place for the team, which is now focused on Saturday‘s match.

Law enforcement is investigating whether the suspects are involved in a broader criminal organization.

A CBP spokesperson said the men were processed for removal and will be detained in federal custody.

“We got really lucky it didn’t get worse,” the team employee said.

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About The Author
Janine Stanwood

Janine Stanwood

Janine Stanwood is a Emmy award-winning reporter and anchor. She joined Local 10 News in February 2004 as an assignment editor.