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 vessel was spotted by a Coast Guard plane and the crew of the Coast Guard cutter Joseph Tezanos responded to interdict the vessel. The migrants were sent back to the Dominican Republic on a navy vessel, while the suspected smuggler is in U.S. custody facing federal prosecution. The Coast Guard emphasized the dangers of such unlawful maritime migrations and urged people to use lawful pathways instead.
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, totaling 1,199 non-U.S. citizens. The majority were from the Dominican Republic, with a smaller number from Haiti and one from Venezuela. The Coast Guard and the Homeland Security Task Force continue to patrol the Florida Straits, the Windward Passage, the Mona Passage, and the Caribbean Sea to prevent unauthorized maritime migration. Anyone intercepted at sea or ashore will not be allowed to stay in the U.S. or its territories and will face repatriation.
The successful interception of the makeshift boat was credited to the swift response and professionalism of the Coast Guard units and watchstanders involved. Lt. Cmdr. Edward Kunigonis, chief of enforcement of the San Juan sector, warned migrants of the dangers of such journeys, stating that many do not fully understand how treacherous the voyage can be until it is too late. The Coast Guard did not provide the age or sexes of the apprehended migrants, but reiterated that anyone arriving unlawfully may be ineligible for legal immigration parole options and will be repatriated or returned to their country of origin.
In a separate incident, a Carnival cruise ship rescued 27 Cuban nationals found adrift and signaling for help near Cuba. This highlights the ongoing issue of illegal migration across the Caribbean and the efforts of law enforcement agencies to intercept and prevent such dangerous journeys. In March, law enforcement apprehended two dozen illegal migrants, including women and children, off the coast of Florida in a large fishing boat. The interception of these vessels underscores the risks faced by migrants and the importance of following lawful immigration pathways to ensure their safety and well-being.
The Coast Guard continues to patrol and monitor the maritime borders to prevent unauthorized migration, with a focus on intercepting vessels attempting to make the dangerous journey to the U.S. or its territories. The interception of the makeshift boat carrying migrants from the Dominican Republic and Haiti highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating illegal maritime migration. The Coast Guard’s efforts to interdict such vessels and repatriate migrants to their home countries aim to deter others from attempting similar journeys, emphasizing the dangers and risks involved in unlawful maritime migration.