AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rescued and apprehended Tuesday 11 Cuban migrants after landing in Mona Island.
Park Rangers from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), on Mona Island, reported the presence of 11 undocumented migrants (4 adult females, 7 adult males) claiming to be Cuban nationals. The group landed in Punta Arenas beach.
“Migrants continue to place themselves at the mercy of smugglers who have complete disregard for their safety and leave them within the shores of Mona knowing the dangers involved,” said Johnny Morales, Director of Air Operations for the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.
A CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Blackhawk helicopter removed and transported the group to Ramey where Border Patrol agents took custody of all subjects.
On Oct. 24, Border Patrol apprehended 14 Cuban migrants that reached Mona.
CBP maintains a strong position regarding the enforcement of our immigration laws along the country's borders and coastal areas.
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.