Coast Guard’s Strategic Responses to Migrant Vessels Near Puerto Rico

U.S. Coast Guard repatriates dozens of migrants in ongoing efforts to curtail illegal maritime entries near Puerto Rico.

At a Glance

Coast Guard intercepted multiple migrant vessels near Puerto Rico, repatriating most to the Dominican Republic
Overcrowded and ill-equipped boats pose serious risks to migrants attempting illegal entry
From October 2023 to January 2024, 811 non-U.S. citizens were interdicted in 24 unlawful migration voyages
Coast Guard officials urge migrants to seek safe and lawful migration pathways

Increased Coast Guard Activity in Puerto Rican Waters

The U.S. Coast Guard has intensified its efforts to intercept and repatriate migrants attempting illegal entry into U.S. territory via Puerto Rico. In a series of operations, Coast Guard cutters have successfully intercepted multiple vessels carrying migrants from various Caribbean nations, primarily the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

In one notable operation, the Coast Guard repatriated 46 migrants to the Dominican Republic after they were detained while trying to reach Puerto Rico illegally. This interception was initiated when a U.S. Border Patrol aircraft spotted a suspicious vessel 34 miles off the coast of Aguadilla. Of the 49 migrants detained in this operation, three were handed over to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents for potential criminal charges.

#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

Dangers of Illegal Maritime Migration

Coast Guard officials consistently emphasize the extreme dangers associated with these illegal migration attempts. Commander Gerard Wenk highlighted the risks, stating: “Unlawful irregular migration voyages most often take place aboard grossly overloaded makeshift vessels with no lifesaving equipment. The vessels are always taking on water and in danger of capsizing, especially during the night. It is very unfortunate that many migrants don’t realize the danger they are in until it is too late. Don’t take to the sea, it could save your life or the life of your loved ones.”

The Coast Guard’s concerns are not unfounded. In one instance, the Coast Guard Cutter Donald Horsley intercepted an overloaded vessel in the Mona Passage, leading to the repatriation of 28 migrants to the Dominican Republic. Alarmingly, one of the repatriated individuals had a standing warrant for homicide in the Dominican Republic, underscoring the potential security risks associated with unchecked migration.

Scope of Maritime Interceptions

The scale of these operations is significant. From October 1, 2023, to January 12, 2024, the Coast Guard interdicted 24 unlawful migration voyages in the Mona Passage alone, involving 811 non-U.S. citizens. These numbers highlight the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. authorities in maintaining border security and ensuring the safety of those attempting dangerous sea crossings.

In another operation, the Coast Guard repatriated 12 migrants to the Dominican Republic, including eight men, two women, and two unaccompanied minors. This interdiction was initiated after a Customs and Border Protection aircraft spotted an overloaded makeshift vessel 62 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Ongoing Efforts and Future Outlook

The Coast Guard’s efforts to curb illegal maritime migration remain ongoing and resolute. In a single week, Coast Guard cutters intercepted dozens of migrants in three separate operations off the waters of Puerto Rico. These operations involved migrants from Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with some individuals taken into custody for prosecution.

Commander Matthew Roman of the Coast Guard emphasized the importance of their daily operations, stating, “The daily work accomplished by our watchstanders and responding Coast Guard and partner agency units is instrumental to stopping unlawful migration voyages at sea and removing migrants from a very dangerous environment.”

As the Coast Guard continues its mission to safeguard U.S. waters and protect lives at sea, the message to potential migrants remains clear: seek legal pathways for migration. The dangers of illegal sea crossings far outweigh any perceived benefits, and U.S. authorities remain committed to intercepting and repatriating those who attempt such perilous journeys.