On Wednesday, the United States Coast Guard repatriated 27 migrants from the Dominican Republic engaged in an illegal voyage north of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon interdicted a 25-foot makeshift boat Monday after an aircrew detected it.
Following the interdiction, the Richard Dixon crew safely embarked 24 men and three adult women from the makeshift boat.
“Irregular migration aboard grossly overloaded makeshift vessels are highly dangerous and puts lives at risk,” said Captain José E. Díaz, Sector San Juan commander.
“We are committed to saving lives and call anyone thinking of taking part in an illegal voyage to not take to the sea. If caught, you could be returned to your country of origin, placed in removal proceedings or be ineligible for parole,” Díaz warned.
The Coast Guard said from October 1, 2022, through February 28, 2023, it carried out 19 illegal voyage interdictions in the Mona Passage and waters near Puerto Rico.
Interdicted during this period were 562 non-U.S. citizens, including 462 Dominican Republic nationals, 98 Haitians and one of unknown nationality.
