A security breach at Miami International Airport (MIA) on Wednesday afternoon led to the arrest of a 60-year-old woman who is now facing charges of violating a designated operational area within the airport premises.
Unauthorized exit and re-entry sparks chaos
According to reports, the alleged incident happened around 3:45 p.m. when Esperanza Ortiz-Carvajal exited the secured area of Terminal H and returned two minutes later by re-entering through the exit.
She also reportedly evaded the TSA security screener.
It was further reported that normal airport operations had to be suspended in Terminals H and J while officers tried to find Ortiz-Carvajal.
Several aircraft were grounded and unable to pull back from the gates and passengers were not allowed to enter or exit the terminals, the report said.
The arrest
The search for Ortiz-Carvajal eventually led officers to an Avianca airplane, where she was apprehended and taken into custody.
Following her detainment, she was booked into jail.
Court appearance and bond determination
During her court appearance, Ortiz-Carvajal was provided with a public defender, while prosecutors sought a $2,500 bond to secure her release.
In response, a defense attorney argued for a lower bond, suggesting a possible language barrier or misunderstanding.
However, the prosecutor countered by pointing out that there are Spanish-language signs throughout MIA.
The judge set the bond at $1,000.
