A dozen illegal Chinese nationals were apprehended on the east end of St. Thomas around daybreak Monday shortly after they landed on the island.
Of the 12, at least two were women.
The well-dressed group reportedly arrived near Sapphire Beach, a short distance from Tabor and Harmony where many Chinese nationals have previous landed.
Seven of the immigrants were picked up on the main road near the entrance to Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina. The remaining five were intercepted near the Renaissance Grand Beach Resort's entrance as they walked towards the Smith Bay area.
All are in the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.