In a coordinated operation early Monday morning, U.S. Border Patrol agents, in collaboration with local authorities, intercepted and detained 39 migrants near Jobos Beach in Isabela, Puerto Rico.
The migrants, originally from the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Venezuela, were attempting to enter the U.S. in a makeshift boat.
According to the Virgin Islands Consortium, the incident began around 1 a.m. when a former Border Patrol agent reported a suspicious landing at the Ramey Sector dispatch center. Border Patrol agents, supported by the Isabela Municipal Police as part of Operation Stonegarden, were quickly on the scene. They discovered a 30-foot wooden “yola”, equipped with two outboard motors.
After a search of the area, 23 adult men and 13 adult women from the Dominican Republic, two Haitian men and a Venezuelan woman were apprehended. All were transported to the Ramey border patrol station for administrative processing and are now under deportation proceedings.
“Migrants don’t need to risk their lives crossing the Mona Passage in the hands of unscrupulous smugglers, only to face the legal consequences of illegal entry,” said Reggie Johnson, acting patrol chief for the Ramey sector. He also condemned the actions of the smugglers: “They continue to spread lies and show complete disregard for the safety and well-being of vulnerable migrants.”
The Ramey Sector, one of 21 U.S. Border Patrol sectors, covers Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its jurisdiction covers approximately 6,000 square miles of land and sea. Due to its entirely coastal perimeter, maritime operations are essential to guaranteeing security in this region.
As reported by The Virgin Islands Consortium, the authorities reiterate the dangers associated with illegal maritime migration. They emphasize the considerable physical risks and heavy legal consequences of attempting to enter the United States without authorization.