SAN JUAN: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations officers arrested 2 previously deported men this week, as they attempted to board separate flights to Hartford and New York City.
Ramon Antonio Riveras Batista, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, appeared yesterday afternoon before Magistrate Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll, to face charges for re-entering after a previous removal for a prior conviction.
Guillermo Beato Vasquez, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, will appear today before Magistrate Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll, to face charges for re-entering after a previous removal for a prior conviction
“Undocumented migrants and criminals think that by illegally entering the island they have a clear path to the continental United States” stated Marcelino Borges, Director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. “CBP officers remain vigilant to arrest persons trying to elude detection in violation of federal law.”
Mr. Riveras-Batista was found Sunday at the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in Carolina, Puerto Rico, attempting to board a flight bound to Bradley International Airport in Hartford. He claimed to be a visitor for pleasure to the United States and presented his passport from Dominican Republic as proof of identity.
Mr. Vasquez was found today at the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in Carolina, Puerto Rico, attempting to board a flight bound to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. He presented his passport from the Dominican Republic as proof of identity.
In secondary inspection, a biometric database revealed that Mr. Riveras-Batista had pled guilty at the United States Court, District of Puerto Rico to a violation of federal immigration law. He admitted reentering illegally into Puerto Rico in December 2011.
In secondary inspection, a biometric database revealed Mr. Vasquez served time in the a Bayamon Correctional facility and was removed in 2009. He admitted reentering in October 2015.
CBP field operations officers presented both cases to Assistant US Attorney Kelley Zenon who accepted the case for prosecution.
If convicted, both Mr. Riveras-Batista and Mr. Vasquez could be fined, imprisoned not more than 2 years or both.
All defendants are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.
