On December 18, 2024, the U.S Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Dominican Republic Navy collaborated to intercept three vessels that were transporting a total of 108 migrants in three separate unlawful maritime migration voyages near Puerto Rico.
The Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo crew successfully repatriated 64 migrants from two interdictions to the Dominican Republic Navy in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, on Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, two marine units from the CBP, Caribbean Air and Marine Branch, successfully intercepted a 20-foot makeshift vessel located 11 nautical miles west of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. The Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo was promptly directed to the scene by watchstanders at Sector San Juan. Upon arrival, the crew of the cutter Isaac Mayo rescued a total of 11 migrants, including nine men and one woman who claimed to be nationals of the Dominican Republic, as well as another woman who claimed Haitian nationality.
On Monday, a CBP, Caribbean Air and Marine Branch multi-role enforcement aircraft spotted a 30-foot makeshift vessel south of Mona Island, Puerto Rico, leading to the second interdiction. The Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo was directed to the area by watchstanders at Sector San Juan. Upon arriving at the scene, the crew of the cutter Isaac Mayo rescued 53 individuals, consisting of 48 men and five women, who identified themselves as Dominican Republic nationals.
On Monday, another interdiction took place when the aircrew of a CBP multi-role enforcement aircraft spotted a 30-foot makeshift vessel about 30 nautical miles northeast of Samana, Dominican Republic. The Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan immediately coordinated with the Dominican Republic Navy. The CBP aircraft was later relieved by a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft, which directed a responding Dominican Republic Navy vessel to the location of the suspect vessel. Upon arrival, the crew of the Dominican Republic Navy vessel rescued a total of 44 migrants, consisting of 39 men and 5 women, all claiming to be Dominican Republic nationals.
“The successful interdiction of 108 migrants and their safe removal from a highly dangerous environment was made possible by the strong partnerships and efficient coordination between the Coast Guard, CBP partners, and Dominican Republic Navy authorities,” emphasized Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response. He further added, “We strongly advise against embarking on an unlawful irregular migration voyage by sea. These voyages are extremely perilous, often undertaken on grossly overloaded and unseaworthy vessels that are taking on water and lack life-saving equipment. Instead, we encourage individuals to pursue safe, orderly, and lawful migration pathways.”
Migrants who are intercepted at sea or captured on land will not be permitted to remain in the United States or any U.S. territory. In addition, individuals who arrive unlawfully may be deemed ineligible for legal immigration parole options and be sent back to their country of origin or the country they departed from.
The Coast Guard, in collaboration with its partners from the Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast, ensures a consistent presence in the Florida Straits, the Windward Passage, the Mona Passage, and the Caribbean Sea. This is part of their commitment to Operation Vigilant Sentry. Through a combined and comprehensive approach, known as HSTF-SE, they aim to safeguard lives at sea and prevent unauthorized maritime entry into the United States and its territories.