AGUADILLA: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations and Border Patrol Agents apprehended 13 undocumented immigrants from Cuba, after they landed Monday in Mona Island. (File Photo) AMO Blackhawk helicopters support migrant interdiction operations in Mona Island.
Park Rangers from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA, for its Spanish acronym) contacted the Border Patrol Station, indicating the landing of a group of undocumented immigrants, 7 males and 6 females, which claimed to be Cuban nationals.
“Landing on Mona Island is a dangerous enterprise which migrants must be aware of its dangers,” stated Ramiro Cerrillo, Ramey Sector Chief Patrol Agent. “It is our duty to reiterate our cautionary message.”
CBP Air and Marine Operations transported the group to the Ramey station yesterday where Border Patrol Agents assumed custody for screening and processing.
“Air and Marine assets patrol the coastal areas of the island to interdict smuggling ventures and to assist those in distress,” said Johnny Morales, Director of Air Operations at the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.
After admissibility processing at the Border Patrol Station, Cuban nationals will receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) before an Immigration Judge, for further proceedings under the Cuban Migration Agreement of 1995 and the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966.
CBP maintains a robust posture regarding the enforcement of our immigration laws along the nation’s borders and coastal areas.
