The Coast Guard intercepted 52 migrants from Haiti and the Dominican Republic who were trying to reach US soil on a rickety 30-foot “makeshift vessel.” The migrants were spotted during a Saturday night patrol by a Coast Guard Ocean Sentry airplane just 27 miles off the shore of Puerto Rico’s Mona Island. After being intercepted, the migrants were turned over to federal immigration authorities and sent back to their native countries. Lieutenant Commander Edward Kunigonis emphasized the dangers of these voyages and urged potential migrants to use lawful pathways instead of attempting to reach the US by sea.
The successful interdiction was credited to the swift response and professionalism of the Coast Guard units involved in the operation. Lt. Commander Kunigonis expressed concern for the safety of migrants who undertake these illegal maritime journeys, many of whom may not fully comprehend the risks involved until it is too late. He stressed the importance of not taking to the sea unlawfully and encouraged migrants to use legal channels for immigration. The Coast Guard has repeatedly patrolled the waters between Puerto Rico and the island of Hispaniola in response to the increasing number of intercepted illegal migrant craft in that region.
In the period between October 1 and April 30, the Coast Guard intercepted 35 illegal migrant craft in the Mona Pass and deported a total of 1,199 illegal migrants. The majority of these migrants were from the Dominican Republic, with smaller numbers from Haiti and Venezuela. The Coast Guard’s efforts in intercepting illegal migrants have been ongoing, with multiple incidents occurring within a short span of time. For example, in one weekend in April, the Coast Guard stopped three different ships and detained 101 illegal migrants, one of which was aboard a heavily overloaded makeshift vessel.
One notable incident involved the interception of three suspected gang members who were linked to a 2020 shootout in Puerto Rico that resulted in four fatalities. These individuals were apprehended aboard a ship bound for the US, underscoring the potential risks associated with illegal maritime migration. The Coast Guard’s vigilance in patrolling the waters between Puerto Rico and Hispaniola has been instrumental in preventing illegal migration attempts and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved. By deterring unlawful maritime journeys and encouraging the use of lawful pathways for immigration, the Coast Guard is working to protect both migrants and the broader maritime community.
