Miami ICE!

 aka Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Because SO many trafficers of Haitian refugees look like middle-aged Boomers from Washington State................

As we passed the north end of Key Biscayne, in sight of the Miami skyline, our pleasant cruise was interrupted by the "whoop, whoop" of a siren.  A quick glance aft sighted a I.C.E. patrol boat requesting that we reduce speed and allow them to board.  We throttled back to idle and welcomed the two offices onto our swim step and up to the bridge. 

The lead officer informed us that we were passinng thru an international boundary (?)  and that all such vessels were subject to boarding and inspection.  His (apparently junior) colleague did not utter a word.  Just took notes.  We informed them who we were and and of our destination and he asked to see our ID and Irish Lass's Certificate of Documentation.  

There was a tense pause when I asked Commadore Kathleen to step below to grab the binder of boat papers.   The officer immediately asked if there were weapons aboard. (There were none).  SOP, we think,in these situations.  (Had we said "Yes" the conversation and process would have changed, we are sure.  Can't say we would blame them, in this day and age.)  Satisfied that we were who we said we were and apparently not a threat, they bid us a "Good Day" without searching the boat and transferred back to their RIB.   In the end, we suspect it was a training exercise for the junior crew member.   

And WE can honestly say that we encountered ICE in Biscayne Bay.   

Just another ordinary day on the Great Loop.  Ho hum..........🤷

Thanks for following!  

Wad and Kathleen Griffith and fur-Admiral Maggie