U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) special agents apprehended multiple migrants from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Uzbekistan after their boat was intercepted near Desecheo Island in Puerto Rico. This operation kicked off in the early hours of June 6, around 12:30 a.m. local time, when targets were first identified on the island’s west side.
According to CBP officials, the information was promptly communicated to the DHC-8 crew at the National Air Security Operations Center, who then followed the tracking of the rustic 25- to 30-foot vessel carrying around 40 individuals.
It was reported that the boat appeared to be disabled and “unable to yield” initially. The DHC-8 crew continued surveillance from above while directing a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) cutter to the location. Interestingly, as the cutter drew closer, the boat began moving toward the Puerto Rican coast.
By about 2 a.m., the USCG successfully intercepted the vessel. All 40 migrants aboard were detained, which included 34 men and two women from the Dominican Republic, three men from Haiti, and one male from Uzbekistan. The situation reflects ongoing challenges related to illegal immigration in the region.
