The Coast Guard said a group of Russian citizens and immigrants from the Dominican Republic was intercepted in U.S. waters and handed over to federal immigration and border patrol authorities.
The Coast Guard said Puerto Rican law enforcement agencies had alerted the maritime agency on Friday, February 28, 20-foot “Panga Style” boat, three voyages, from the coast of Aguadilla in Chip, northwestern Puerto Rico.
The small boat was carried five individuals. Three men claiming to be citizens of the Dominican Republic, and a man and a woman claiming to be Russian citizens.
The Coast Guard said one of the migrants had a previous criminal history in the United States and was charged with an illegal attempt to re-enter the country.
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The block occurred early on Friday, February 28th, when two Puerto Rican Police Speedy Action (FURA) Marine Units were seen in a white-colored 20-foot Panga-style ship from about three voyages from the Aguadilla coastline. (US Coast Guard (USCG))
The two Russians, a man and a woman, were handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for investigation and removal in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Monday.
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Two of the three immigrants from the Dominican Republic were repatriated to Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic on Saturday. The third immigrant with a previous criminal record was transferred to a US Border Patrol agent in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on Saturday and faced charges, the agency said.
Five illegal foreigners were on board. Three men claimed to be citizens of the Dominican Republic, and a man and a woman claimed to be Russian citizens. (US Coast Guard (USCG))
Commander Matthew Romano, the Coast Guard's San Juan Sector response officer, said the recent roundup will “introduce collaboration and coordination” between agencies.
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“Aliens trying to make this illegal journey will be stopped and deported, and repeated offenders may be further criminally charged,” he said. “Please don't take me to the sea.”
Watch: US Coast Guard Strengthens Operations along the Rio Grande
Instructions from the President Donald Trumpthe Coast Guard expanded the Border Patrol's efforts to combat illegal immigration.
Fox News Digital previously reported a boat carrying nine illegal immigrants detained in San Diego on January 25th, and a boat carrying 16 illegal immigrants off the coast of California on February 2nd.
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The service is increasing assets and personnel nationwide. Ministry of Homeland Security On the mission to combat illegal immigration activities.
Fox News Digital has contacted the US Coast Guard and ICE for comment.
