UMVA has learned that a daring nighttime operation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection special agents resulted in the apprehension of dozens of migrants from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Uzbekistan.
The high-stakes interception occurred near Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico, after a 30-foot boat carrying 40 migrants was tracked by a National Air Security Operations Center DHC-8 aircrew. The vessel was initially detected by the Caribbean Air and Marine Operations Center in the early hours of June 6, just before 12:30 a.m. local time.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the migrants were packed onto a rustic vessel, with 34 men and two women from the Dominican Republic, three men from Haiti, and one man from Uzbekistan. The boat appeared to be disabled and "unable to make way" initially, but suddenly began moving toward the Puerto Rican shoreline as a U.S. Coast Guard cutter approached.
The DHC-8 aircrew played a crucial role in the operation, maintaining surveillance from above and guiding the U.S. Coast Guard cutter to the location. The cutter successfully intercepted the boat at about 2 a.m., detaining all 40 migrants onboard.
The swift and precise operation highlights the tireless efforts of U.S. Customs and Border Protection special agents and their partners to combat human smuggling and protect the nation's borders.
