The U.S. Coast Guard stopped a migrant boat bound for the United States and arrested three fugitives on suspicion of involvement in a criminal organization, according to a report on Tuesday. press release.
The Coast Guard reported Friday that an “illegal migrant voyage” was intercepted in the Mona Strait, which separates Puerto Rico from Hispaniola.
The 20-foot-long boat was spotted Friday morning by the crew of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations multipurpose enforcement aircraft, according to a Coast Guard press release.
Eight individuals and several fighting roosters were found on board. The migrants told the Coast Guard they were leaving the Dominican Republic and heading to Puerto Rico when their boat’s engine broke down. The crew were spotted by authorities as they tried to turn the ship around and return.
An investigation by the Dominican Republic Navy and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that three of the men were U.S. citizens with outstanding warrants. The Coast Guard said the three men belong to a criminal organization and are wanted in connection with a July 2020 shooting that killed four people in a residential area in Puerto Rico.
“Through the strong partnership and daily cooperation between all federal partner agencies involved in this incident, the Dominican Republic Navy and Dominican law enforcement authorities, we were able to secure the five migrants,” said Lieutenant Vincente Garcia, Dominican Coast Guard liaison officer. We were able to repatriate him safely.” And three wanted Americans were arrested. ”
“These efforts will help achieve regional stability and protect our nation’s southernmost maritime border from the risks and threats associated with illegal immigration and other widespread illegal maritime activities,” Garcia added.
The Coast Guard said migrants apprehended at sea or on land “will not be allowed to remain in the United States or U.S. territories.” The report noted that illegal immigrants will be returned to their country of origin or departure.
Last week, the Coast Guard seized the vessel with the boat on board. 19 Cuban nationals Near Key West, Florida.
“Immigrants who attempt to enter the United States illegally by sea will be indefinitely deprived of legal immigration parole policies for Cubans and Haitians,” said Lt. Peter Hutchison of the Coast Guard 7th District Enforcement Branch. .
“Migrants of any nationality caught at sea will not be allowed to enter the United States. Those who have no legal basis to remain in the United States will also be removed,” Hutchison said.
So far in fiscal year 2024, the Coast Guard has repatriated 367 Cuban immigrants.
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