39 migrants detained on the north coast of Puerto Rico

39 Migrants Detained on Puerto Rico Northern Coast

Majority of Them Are Dominican Nationals

Here Are the Details

A total of 39 migrants, mostly Dominicans, were detained on Monday by Border Patrol agents on Puerto Rico’s northern coast after landing on Jobos Beach near the municipality of Isabela.

The operation, supported by the municipal police of Isabela, resulted in the capture of the migrants, who arrived aboard an improvised wooden boat known as a yola, equipped with two outboard motors.

The migrants, originating from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Venezuela, were located following a search in the area.

According to a report from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the boat was found near the coast, and the detained migrants included 23 men and 13 women from the Dominican Republic, two men from Haiti, and one woman from Venezuela.

39 Migrants Detained on Puerto Rico’s Northern Coast

39 migrants detained, most of them are Dominicans, after disembarking in northern Puerto Ricohttps://t.co/3LR13Ny2Mc pic.twitter.com/YMeFUIBbN2

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Reggie Johnson, acting chief patrol agent for the Ramey sector, highlighted the dangers of the route used by the migrants.

They traverse the Mona Passage, a treacherous strait separating Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic, as reported by EFE.

«Migrants should not risk their lives crossing the Mona Passage in the hands of ruthless smugglers, only to reach our shores and face legal consequences for illegal entry,» Johnson stated.

Once detained, the migrants were transported to the Ramey Border Patrol station, where they underwent processing and deportation procedures.

The Mona Passage: A Frequently Used Migrant Route

The Ramey sector is the only Border Patrol sector outside the continental United States, with jurisdiction over Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Mona Passage is a commonly used route for migrants, particularly Dominicans and Haitians, attempting to reach Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic.

This perilous journey has claimed many lives over the years due to the precarious conditions of the boats and the challenging navigation through the strait, which is known for strong currents and winds.

This case once again highlights the dangers associated with illegal migration through maritime routes, where migrants face both the imminent risks of the journey and the legal consequences upon arriving in Puerto Rico.

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