US Border Patrol and law enforcement partners successfully intercepted a yola vessel carrying five individuals from Russia and the Dominican Republic attempting to reach Puerto Rico's west coast. The operation took place on February 28, when Ramey station Border Patrol agents detected a suspected smuggling vessel traveling without navigation lights approximately five nautical miles west of Aguadilla.
"Our agents remain vigilant in securing our borders and upholding our nation’s immigration laws. This case underscores the ongoing challenges we face in preventing illegal entries and addressing repeat immigration violations,” stated Reggie Johnson, Chief Patrol Agent for the Ramey Sector. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our communities and the integrity of our borders."
The interception was coordinated with a Puerto Rico Police FURA marine unit and the United States Coast Guard (USCG), who reached a 15-foot yola vessel equipped with two outboard engines. Onboard were three men from the Dominican Republic, one Russian man, and one Russian woman.
Biometric checks revealed that one individual from the Dominican Republic was a previously deported felon. The custody of the Russian nationals was transferred to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further investigation and removal proceedings.
Ramey Border Patrol arrested David Mota-Castillo, who appeared before the US District Court charged with reentry as a previously deported alien.
The Ramey Sector is one of twenty-one sectors across the United States, covering U.S. territorial islands such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It is unique as it is located outside continental U.S., responsible for some 6,000 square miles of land and water area including territorial waters surrounding these islands.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) serves as America's frontline defense: it is both the nation's largest law enforcement organization and world's first unified border management agency. With over 65,000 personnel, CBP protects America on land, air, and sea while facilitating safe travel and trade to ensure economic prosperity through innovation, intelligence collaboration, trust-building efforts.
