On Thursday, the United States Coast Guard returned 34 illegal Caribbean migrants to the Dominican Republic, after intercepting a ‘grossly overloaded’ boat.
The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon carried out the interdiction in Mona Passage waters near Puerto Rico.
Among the interdicted were 30 men, two women, and a female minor who claimed to be Dominican Republic nationals.
One other man in the group claimed to be Haitian.
“Unfortunately, these illegal voyages continue, and people often do not realize just how dangerous they are until it is too late,” lamented Lt. Cmdr. Edward Kunigonis, Sector San Juan chief of enforcement.
” To anyone thinking of taking part in an illegal voyage, don’t take to the sea. It could save your life,” Kunigonis warned.
Since October 1, 2022, through March 31, 2023, the Coast Guard has carried out 25 illegal voyage interdictions in the Mona Passage and waters near Puerto Rico.
Interdicted during the period were 777 non-U.S. citizens, including 568 Dominicans, 195 Haitians, 13 Venezuelans, and one individual of unknown nationality.
