The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a makeshift boat near Puerto Rico carrying 51 migrants from the Dominican Republic and one suspected smuggler from Haiti. The migrants were sent back to the Dominican Republic, while the suspected smuggler is facing federal prosecution under unauthorized alien smuggling laws. The Coast Guard spotted the vessel with the help of a plane on Saturday night and successfully interdicted it with the Coast Guard cutter Joseph Tezanos. The Coast Guard warned against the dangers of unlawful maritime migration voyages and stated that migrants who are apprehended will not be allowed to stay in the U.S. or its territories.
The Coast Guard has been vigilant in intercepting migrants attempting to make treacherous journeys to the U.S. through various bodies of water surrounding Puerto Rico. Since October 1 through April 30, the Coast Guard has intercepted 35 different groups of migrants in the Mona Passage and waters near Puerto Rico. These groups consisted mostly of migrants from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Venezuela. The Coast Guard and Homeland Security Task Force utilize air, land, and sea assets to patrol the Florida Straits, Windward Passage, Mona Passage, and the Caribbean Sea to intercept migrants attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. Last month, a Carnival cruise ship rescued 27 Cuban nationals found adrift near Cuba, and in March, law enforcement apprehended two dozen illegal migrants off the coast of Florida.
The intercepted vessel near Puerto Rico was a rickety, 30-foot-long vessel painted white with “J5” across its side. Inside, there were 51 migrants from the Dominican Republic and one suspected smuggler from Haiti. The Dominican migrants were sent back to their home country, while the Haitian smuggler is facing federal prosecution. The Coast Guard praised the swift response and professionalism of the units and watchstanders involved in the successful interdiction. They also emphasized the dangers of unlawful maritime migration voyages and urged potential migrants to use lawful pathways instead of risking their lives at sea.
Migrants who are apprehended by the Coast Guard will not be allowed to stay in the U.S. or its territories. Additionally, anyone who arrives unlawfully may be declared ineligible for legal immigration parole options and repatriated to their country of origin. The Coast Guard’s efforts in intercepting migrants highlight the ongoing challenges posed by illegal migration to the U.S. and its territories. The Coast Guard continues to monitor and patrol the waters surrounding Puerto Rico and other areas to prevent unlawful entries and protect migrants from dangerous voyages. The recent interception near Puerto Rico is just one example of the Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of the nation’s borders.
In recent months, there have been several incidents of illegal migration attempts across various bodies of water near the U.S. In addition to the interception near Puerto Rico, a Carnival cruise ship rescued Cuban nationals adrift near Cuba, and law enforcement apprehended illegal migrants off the coast of Florida. These incidents highlight the dangers that migrants face when attempting illegal voyages to the U.S. The Coast Guard’s efforts in intercepting these migrants demonstrate the importance of border security and the protection of individuals attempting dangerous journeys. By monitoring and patrolling key areas, the Coast Guard plays a crucial role in preventing illegal migration and ensuring the safety of both migrants and the U.S. homeland.
