SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The US Coast Guard in Puerto Rico, in coordination with the Border Patrol (CBP) and the Dominican Navy, recently reported the interception of 108 migrants attempting to reach Puerto Rico illegally by sea. These included 107 Dominican nationals and one Haitian. The individuals were detained in three separate incidents, highlighting ongoing efforts by authorities to combat human smuggling and illegal immigration via maritime routes
The first two incidents occurred on Monday, with the third taking place on Tuesday.
In the first case, CBP officers identified a suspicious 30-foot vessel south of Mona Island, carrying 53 migrants—48 men and five women—who claimed to be Dominican.
Later that day, another boat was spotted 30 nautical miles northeast of Samaná, Dominican Republic.
The Coast Guard coordinated with the Dominican Navy and CBP to intercept the vessel, which carried 44 migrants—39 men and five women—also claiming Dominican nationality.
On Tuesday morning, CBP maritime units stopped a 20-foot boat 11 nautical miles west of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, arresting 11 migrants—nine men and one woman—along with one Haitian national.