(TheConservativeTimes.org) – In a bombshell operation, the U.S. Coast Guard stopped an illegal entry and saved lives by intercepting migrant vessels near Puerto Rico.
Specifically, the U.S. Coast Guard caught and repatriated dozens of migrants who attempted to reach American soil.
The organization has been working tirelessly to stop the tide of illegal migration off the coast of Puerto Rico.
In recent operations, they have repatriated 46 migrants to the Dominican Republic after detaining them during attempts to enter Puerto Rico illegally.
Coast Guard Sector San Juan Chief of Response Commander Matthew Roman emphasized the dangers of these illegal crossings and the importance of lawful migration pathways.
“These voyages are extremely unsafe, most often occurring aboard makeshift and unseaworthy vessels that take on water and have no lifesaving equipment onboard,” Roman said.
“By taking to the sea in one of these voyages you will be putting your life and the lives of others at risk. Instead, seek safe and lawful migration pathways,” he added.
The Coast Guard’s efforts have been significant and wide-ranging. From October 1, 2023, to January 12, 2024, they intercepted 24 illegal migration voyages in the Mona Passage involving 811 non-U.S. citizens.
This highlights the ongoing nature of the illegal immigration crisis and the constant vigilance required to protect our borders.
Roman further explained, “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.”
In one notable incident, the Coast Guard Cutter Donald Horsley repatriated 28 migrants to the Dominican Republic after intercepting an overloaded vessel in the Mona Passage.
Shockingly, one of the migrants aboard had a standing warrant for homicide in the Dominican Republic.
The Coast Guard’s operations have not been without challenges. In three separate operations over a single week, dozens of migrants were intercepted off the waters of Puerto Rico.
These included vessels carrying migrants from Haiti and the Dominican Republic, some of which were dangerously overloaded and unfit for the journey.
The Coast Guard’s efforts extend beyond mere interception and repatriation. The organization is also working to discourage these dangerous attempts at illegal entry.
Commander Gerard Wenk warned, “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,” he added.
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