If not the southern border, the waters around Florida and the Gulf of Mexico are hot spots for illegal immigration. The US Coast Guard intercepted a number of boats near Puerto Rico. Those on board the ships were returned to the Dominican republic. The United States Coast Guard has increased its awareness of illegals attempting to enter by sea. The United States Border Patrol assists the Coast Guard via aircraft. The fight against illegal immigration extends beyond many agencies.
Interceptions and Repatriation
The United States Coast Guard’s efforts have resulted in several significant interceptions of migrant vessels in the region. A group of 46 migrants trying to reach Puerto Rico were returned to the Dominican Republic. In another operation, a US Border Patrol plane spotted a suspicious boat 34 miles off Aguadilla’s coast, resulting in the detention of 49 migrants.
Three detained migrants were turned over to Customs and Border Protection agents for possible criminal investigations. Furthermore, the Coast Guard Cutter Donald Horsley intercepted an overloaded vessel in the Mona Passage, resulting in the return of 28 migrants.
#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
Safety Risks Highlighted
Coast Guard operations prioritized addressing the risks associated with these illegal maritime journeys. “Unlawful irregular migration voyages most commonly take place aboard grossly overloaded makeshift vessels with no lifesaving equipment,” according to Commander Gerard Wenk. These voyages, particularly at night, increase the risk of vessels capizing and causing fatalities.
An alarming warrant was discovered for one of the repatriated individuals, shedding light on the complexities and potential criminal elements associated with these dangerous journeys.
US Coast Guard intercepts dozens of migrants, ships them back: The US Coast Guard intercepted three migrant boats off the coast of Puerto Rico, sending most back to the Dominican Republic. https://t.co/OaMkuOozL5 #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/Y7YF9hrLFK
— ZBreakingNewz (@ZBreakingNewz) October 29, 2024
Collaborative Efforts for Safer Alternatives
The US Coast Guard’s ongoing strategy focuses on preventing illegal and dangerous maritime activities. From October 1, 2023 to January 12, 2024, the Coast Guard intercepted 24 unauthorized migration voyages in the Mona Passage, involving 811 non-US citizens. Commander Matthew Romano emphasized the importance of working together to put an end to these activities.
As part of this initiative, migrants are encouraged to follow legal migration procedures, which offer safer alternatives. These combined efforts demonstrate the Coast Guard and partner agencies’ ongoing commitment to securing regional waters and promoting lawful migration routes.
