U.S. Border Patrol agents have lodged a federal criminal complaint against three individuals from the Dominican Republic, accused of smuggling 39 migrants into Puerto Rico on March 14. The accused, Melvin Diaz-Linas, Jose Antonio De Leon-Pache, and Mikilendy Espiritusanto-Martinez, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marcos Lopez on charges related to smuggling and improper entry under various sections of Title 8 of the United States Code.
According to the complaint, the defendants allegedly left 30 migrants stranded on Mona Island before continuing their journey with nine others until they were intercepted near “El Combate” beach by CBP Air and Marine Operations and Cabo Rojo Municipal Police.
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Joseph Doyle rescued the stranded migrants from Mona Island and transferred them to Ramey Border Patrol agents at Mayaguez port of entry.
"These criminal networks exploit vulnerable individuals for profit, often subjecting them to dangerous and inhumane conditions," stated Reggie Johnson, Acting Chief Patrol Agents for Ramey Sector. "By aggressively pursuing and dismantling these smuggling operations, authorities not only deter future illegal activity but also help prevent human trafficking, reduce organized crime, and strengthen border security."
All three defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Ramey Sector is one of twenty-one sectors across the United States, covering Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It is unique as it is located outside the continental United States with a jurisdiction that includes approximately 6,000 square miles of land and water area.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) serves as America's frontline law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting the nation’s borders on land, sea, and air while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
