40 migrants apprehended by federal authorities in maritime interdiction near western Puerto Rico

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico -Air and Marine Operations, an operational component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, detected a vessel with 40 migrants onboard near Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico, earlier this week.

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 Rico's shoreline.

"Air and Marine Operations remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the nation's borders and ensuring the safety of our communities," stated Director Christopher Hunter of the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. "The successful interdiction near Desecheo Island demonstrates the dedication and coordination of our personnel and partners in disrupting dangerous smuggling operations and that U.S. borders-land and sea-are closed. We will continue to leverage advanced technology and teamwork to safeguard Puerto Rico and the broader Caribbean region."

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).

AMO continues to work alongside federal, state, and international partners to disrupt smuggling operations and safeguard national security.

Fulfilling President Donald J. Trump's mandate, the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the leadership of DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, have delivered the most secure border in history, stopping dangerous criminal aliens, weapons, and illicit narcotics from entering our communities, which will keep America safe for generations to come.

Air and Marine Operations employ a multilayered enforcement strategy to detect, deter, and disrupt illicit activities in the air and maritime environments. Working closely with federal, state, and local partners, AMO is committed to protecting the nation's borders and preventing dangerous contraband from reaching U.S. shores. The migrants will ultimately be repatriated to their country of origin.

For more information on Air and Marine Operations, follow Facebook @AMO, Instagram @CBPAMO and X @CBPAMO.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 69,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

• Topics
• Air and Marine Operations
• Border Security
• Smuggling