Let this be a warning to anyone thinking about entering our nation illegally: we will find you and apprehend you.
šØ40 Illegal Aliens Interdicted Near Western Puerto Rico!
On June 6, at 12:28 a.m., the Caribbean Air and Marine Operations Center detected a target of interest west of Desecheo Island. CAMOC relayed the information to a National Air Security Operations Center DHC-8 aircrew, who located the 25 to 30 foot rustic vessel with multiple people onboard.
The vessel appeared disabled and unable to make way. The DHC-8 aircrew maintained surveillance and guided a U.S. Coast Guard cutter to the location. As the cutter approached, the vessel began moving toward Puerto Ricoās shoreline.
The USCG intercepted the vessel at around 2 a.m. Forty individuals were apprehended - 36 nationals from the Dominican Republic (34 adult males, 2 adult females), three Haitian nationals (all adult males), and one Uzbekistan national (adult male).
Incredible teamwork to stop this maritime attempt! AMO continues to work alongside federal, state, and international partners to disrupt smuggling operations and safeguard national security!