Coast Guard Actions: Unseen Challenges in Migrant Vessels Near Puerto Rico

The U.S. Coast Guard’s interception of migrant vessels near Puerto Rico highlights the dangerous realities of maritime migration attempts.

At a Glance

46 migrants were repatriated to the Dominican Republic after attempting an illegal entry into Puerto Rico.
49 migrants were detained after a U.S. Border Patrol aircraft spotted a suspicious vessel.
Law enforcement partners work to prevent illegal migration amid dangerous circumstances.
A vessel’s interception led to the transfer of three individuals for potential criminal charges.

Coast Guard Operations in Puerto Rico Waters

The U.S. Coast Guard, in its mission to control maritime migration, continues to intercept vessels near Puerto Rico. Recent operations included the repatriation of 46 migrants to the Dominican Republic after an attempted illegal entry. Authorities remain committed to preventing dangerous crossings in overloaded, unsafe boats. From October 1, 2023, to January 12, 2024, the Coast Guard interdicted 24 such voyages, involving 811 non-U.S. citizens.

The Coast Guard Cutter Donald Horsley notably repatriated 28 migrants from a overloaded vessel in the Mona Passage. A separate operation led to the detention of 49 migrants after a U.S. Border Patrol aircraft identified a suspicious vessel 34 miles off Aguadilla’s coast. Among these migrants, three were sent to CBP agents for potential criminal proceedings.

Migrant Interceptions and Safety Warnings

In collaboration with its partners, the Coast Guard intercepted multiple migrant vessels in dangerous conditions. The Coast Guard Cutter repatriated 12 migrants detected 62 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, reinforcing their commitment to safeguard lives at sea. Migrant vessels frequently lack life-saving equipment, making them vulnerable to accidents and capsizing during the night.

“Unlawful irregular migration voyages most often take place aboard grossly overloaded makeshift vessels with no lifesaving equipment” – Cmdr. Gerard Wenk

Among the intercepted groups, one migrant had a homicide warrant in the Dominican Republic. Enforcement is essential to prevent such unlawful and perilous ventures. Cmdr. Matthew Romano emphasizes the importance of using legal channels for migration, warning that these voyages are extremely risky.

#Breaking @USCG returned 47 migrants to Dominican Republic between Thursday and Sunday, following the interdiction of three unlawful migration voyages in Mona Passage waters near Puerto Rico.

— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) October 29, 2024

Ongoing Commitment to Maritime Safety

Recent bus interceptions show the Coast Guard’s dedication to preventing unlawful and risky voyages. The collective efforts of the Coast Guard and partner agencies demonstrate unwavering resolve to enforce maritime law. Authorities use air and sea patrols to detect suspicious vessels, emphasizing the risks of unseaworthy boats. Migrants should consider lawful migration routes to prevent unnecessary risks to life and safety.

“The daily work accomplished by our watchstanders and responding Coast Guard and partner agency units is instrumental to stopping unlawful migration voyages at sea and removing migrants from a very dangerous environment.” – Coast Guard Commander Matthew Roman

The Coast Guard continues its rigorous efforts to intercept migrant vessels, recently seizing three groups of migrants off Puerto Rico’s shores. Most of these migrants come from the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Recent operations resulted in the repatriation of 27 migrants from one vessel and 23 from another.