37 Migrants Caught Smuggling in Small Boats on Their Way to Puerto Rico

CBP Intercepts Illegal Smuggling Attempts in Puerto Rico

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Maritime Operations (AMO) units, collaborating with U.S. Border Patrol agents, detained 37 undocumented individuals and one American citizen off the coast of Puerto Rico on Monday. This operation encompassed two separate smuggling incidents occurring on different sides of the island.

In the early hours of Monday, CBP AMO teams coordinated with Border Patrol agents, leading to the capture of 10 illegal aliens from several countries, including the Dominican Republic, India, and Ecuador. There were also some U.S. citizens among the group, and authorities are currently investigating their ties to the smuggling ring. This particular attempt originated from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and was headed to Culebrita, a small, uninhabited island near Puerto Rico’s eastern coast.

The detained individuals, along with the boat operator, are being processed and investigated further.

On the opposite side of the island, a second smuggling operation was interrupted when Border Patrol agents from the Raymy Sector in Puerto Rico, supported by CBP Air and Marine Corps and Homeland Security Investigations, apprehended 15 illegal aliens arriving on a makeshift Yola-type vessel. A yola is essentially a handcrafted wooden boat typically used in fishing around Caribbean islands.

In this scenario, federal agents received assistance from the Puerto Rico Police Maritime Division and Cabo Rojo City Police Department. After the vessel landed, authorities searched the nearby coastline, ultimately detaining a total of 27 illegal immigrants, including individuals from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. This group was then taken to the Ramey Border Patrol Station for additional investigation and deportation.

Christopher Hunter, Director of CBP’s Caribbean Air and Maritime Branch, remarked on the collaboration of federal and local law enforcement during these operations, stating, “These actions reflect our commitment to safeguarding the Caribbean from illegal maritime activities. The prompt coordination and response from our agents ensured the safety and security of everyone involved.”

The interception of a rustic Yola-type vessel underscores the mounting challenges faced by individuals attempting to reach the U.S. through smugglers. Those trying to land in Puerto Rico often have to navigate perilous waters in overcrowded boats often operated by unskilled and hazardous smugglers.

Border Patrol Ramey Area Patrol Chief Agent Reggie Johnson also shared his insights on Monday’s second interdiction, noting, “Our officers continue to maintain close cooperation with our law enforcement partners and remain alert in securing Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands’ coastal borders. This successful operation showcases the commitment and teamwork necessary to dismantle dangerous smuggling ventures and safeguard our communities.”