Two separate incidents of migrant smuggling off the coasts of Aguadilla and Isabela resulted in the arrest of 30 undocumented immigrants by U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Ramey Sector. These events underscore the perils associated with the treacherous 80 nautical mile journey from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico.
On January 30, a makeshift vessel carrying 14 men was intercepted by the Puerto Rico Police FURA unit, as reported in a news release from Customs and Border Protection. The group comprised 12 adults and one minor from the Dominican Republic, along with one Haitian minor. All were subsequently transported to the Ramey station for removal proceedings.
The same media release detailed how a local resident alerted Border Patrol agents to a suspected migrant smuggling operation near Jobos beach in Isabela around 9:30 a.m. A total of 16 migrants from the Dominican Republic were apprehended by Border Patrol agents, supported by officers from both Isabela Municipal Police and Puerto Rico Police Department FURA. The arrested individuals are currently being processed under Title 8 of U.S. immigration law.
DeLeon, Chief Patrol Agent for Ramey Sector, expressed his concern over these incidents. "Smugglers and bad actors continue to spread falsehoods and show complete disregard for the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable migrants venturing on the Mona Passage," he said. "We continue to warn migrants on the continuing dangers of such a journey."
The news release further highlighted that migrants attempting to reach Puerto Rico in makeshift boats not only risk their own lives but also endanger those of law enforcement officials. Additional threats include potential victimization by cartel organizations and criminal prosecution for undocumented immigrants.
In January, DeLeon shared via social media that Border Patrol agents within his sector successfully prevented a maritime smuggling attempt near Aguadilla.
