A group of Russian nationals and migrants from the Dominican Republic were intercepted in U.S. waters and handed over to federal immigration and border patrol authorities, as reported by the Coast Guard. The interception occurred on Friday, Feb. 28, when Puerto Rico law enforcement spotted a 20-foot “panga-style” boat about three nautical miles off the coast of Aguadilla, a town on Puerto Rico’s northwestern tip. The maritime agency was promptly alerted, leading to the successful interception of the vessel.
The small boat carried a total of five individuals, including three men claiming to be Dominican Republic nationals, and a man and a woman claiming to be Russian nationals. Notably, one of the migrants had a previous criminal record in the United States and was charged with attempted illegal re-entry into the country. The Coast Guard swiftly took action, ensuring the safety and enforcement of immigration laws in the region.
Coast Guard Collaboration and Response
The two Russian nationals aboard the intercepted boat, a man and a woman, were transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for further investigation and potential removal on Monday. In a coordinated effort, two of the Dominican Republic migrants were repatriated back to Punta Cana, while the third individual with a criminal history faced transfer to U.S. Border Patrol agents in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, for necessary legal actions.
Commander Matthew Romano, the chief of response in the Coast Guard San Juan sector, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in dealing with such incidents. According to Romano, this successful round-up exemplifies the seamless coordination between various agencies involved in maintaining border security and upholding immigration laws. He also warned potential offenders against attempting dangerous journeys, stating that those intercepted will face repatriation or even criminal prosecution for repeat offenses.
Coast Guard’s Expanded Border Patrol Efforts
Under the guidance of President Donald Trump, the Coast Guard has significantly enhanced its border patrol efforts to combat illegal immigration. This heightened surveillance and interdiction operations have resulted in the interception of several vessels carrying illegal immigrants, including recent instances off the coast of California. The service has ramped up its deployment of assets and personnel from across the nation to support the Department of Homeland Security in its mission to curtail illegal migrant activity.
As the Coast Guard continues to bolster its enforcement measures, it remains vigilant in safeguarding U.S. waters and borders from unauthorized entry attempts. The agency’s unwavering commitment to upholding immigration laws and ensuring national security underscores the critical role it plays in safeguarding the country’s borders.
Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Coast Guard and ICE for further comments on the recent interception incident. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, a U.S. Writer at Fox News Digital, has been actively involved in covering breaking news events and major developments across the U.S. and globally. Her extensive experience in reporting on crime, politics, business, lifestyle, and world news positions her as a valuable contributor to the media landscape, offering insights and perspectives on a wide range of topics.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story as authorities continue to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration and border security in the region. The interception of the boat carrying Russian nationals and criminal migrants serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing efforts to uphold immigration laws and protect national interests.
