United States Coast Guard crews repatriated 73 illegal Caribbean migrants to the Dominican Republic between Saturday and Wednesday.
According to the Coast Guard, the repatriation followed the interdiction of five overloaded vessels in Mona Passage waters off the west coast of Puerto Rico.
“Irregular migration voyages in the Mona Passage are highly dangerous and an unlawful means to enter the United States,” said Cmdr: Gerard Wenk, Sector San Juan chief of response.
“Anyone thinking of taking part in one of these voyages must understand that their life will be at risk, and when they are interdicted at sea or apprehended ashore, they will not be allowed to stay in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands,” he stated.
In addition, the Coast Guard has said anyone who arrives unlawfully will be repatriated to their country of origin or returned to the country they departed.
The United States authorities may also declare them ineligible for legal immigration parole options.
Since Oct. 1, 2022, through Sep. 30, 2023, the Coast Guard has carried out 67 unlawful irregular maritime interdictions in the Mona Passage and waters near Puerto Rico.
Interdicted during this period were 2,161 non-U.S. citizens the majority of whom were Dominican Republic nationals and Haitians.
Headline photo (Stock image)
