The US Coast Guard reported on Monday that it repatriated 39 Dominican migrants, including eight women and a minor, after intercepting a boat on Friday when they were trying to reach Mona Island, a nature reserve located in western Puerto Rico.
"The successful outcome of this case is due to the excellent collaboration between the response units and our partner agencies in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic."indicated in a statement Edward Kunigonis, chief of execution of San Juan.
The boat was detected Thursday night initially by the crew of a Customs and Border Protection maritime and air control plane, approximately 38 nautical miles from the municipality of Aguadilla, in the west of the island.
The San Juan Sector Coast Guard ordered the launch of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and diverted patrol boat Joseph Tezanos to intercept the vessel.
The migrants were repatriated to the Dominican Navy off Punta Cana, except for the unaccompanied minor who was transferred to the National Council for Children and Adolescents (Conani).
One of the 39 migrants is facing federal prosecution in the United States District Court in Puerto Rico charged with attempted illegal reentry into the United States under 8 USC 1326(a) and has a federal detainer. pending from Boston, Massachusetts, for identity theft.
US Border Patrol agents from the Ramey Sector received custody Saturday of the man facing legal proceedings in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
"Irregular maritime migration is highly dangerous, most of the time it takes place aboard unseaworthy vessels with excessive overloading. If you’re thinking of taking part in an illegal voyage, don’t go to sea! you could lose your life"Kunigonis said.
From October 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023, the US Coast Guard has conducted 25 illegal travel interdictions in waters near Puerto Rico.
The number of intercepted during this period was 777 non-US citizens: 568 Dominicans, 195 Haitians, 13 Venezuelans and one of them of unknown nationality. Isla de Mona is located in the channel of the same name, which separates Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic and is a frequent migratory route.
