A rustic vessel carrying 40 people was intercepted west of Desecheo Island in a coordinated air-and-sea operation; those aboard included nationals of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Uzbekistan
A coordinated air-and-sea interdiction near Puerto Rico led to the apprehension of 40 individuals after a rustic vessel was detected and tracked into U.S. waters earlier this month, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
CBP reported that on June 6 at 12:28 a.m., the Caribbean Air and Marine Operations Center detected a target of interest west of Desecheo Island. The center relayed the information to a National Air Security Operations Center DHC-8 aircrew, who located the 25- to 30-foot rustic vessel with multiple people aboard.
The vessel appeared disabled and unable to make way, according to the agency. CBP said the DHC-8 aircrew maintained surveillance and guided a U.S. Coast Guard cutter to the location. As the cutter approached, the vessel began moving toward Puerto Rico’s shoreline.
“Air and Marine Operations remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the nation’s borders and ensuring the safety of our communities,” said Director Christopher Hunter of the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. “The successful interdiction near Desecheo Island demonstrates the dedication and coordination of our personnel and partners in disrupting dangerous smuggling operations and that U.S. borders–land and sea–are closed. We will continue to leverage advanced technology and teamwork to safeguard Puerto Rico and the broader Caribbean region.”
Those Apprehended
The Coast Guard intercepted the vessel at around 2 a.m., according to CBP. The agency said 40 individuals were apprehended: 36 nationals from the Dominican Republic (34 adult males and two adult females), three Haitian nationals (all adult males), and one Uzbekistan national (an adult male).
CBP said Air and Marine Operations continues to work alongside federal, state, and international partners to disrupt smuggling operations and safeguard national security. The agency said the migrants will ultimately be repatriated to their country of origin.
In its statement, CBP said that under the leadership of DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have worked to secure the border and stop criminal aliens, weapons, and illicit narcotics from entering U.S. communities, fulfilling a mandate set by President Donald J. Trump.
The agency said Air and Marine Operations employs a multilayered enforcement strategy to detect, deter, and disrupt illicit activities in the air and maritime environments, working closely with federal, state, and local partners to prevent dangerous contraband from reaching U.S. shores.
