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  4. CBP apprehends 12 Cuban migrants that landed in Mona Island

CBP apprehends 12 Cuban migrants that landed in Mona Island

Release Date
Mon, 03/07/2016

One pregnant female in the group; Agency warns about the dangerous journey

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol Agents apprehended 12 undocumented Cuban immigrants after landing Saturday in Mona Island.  

Mona Island is inhabited. It is a flat plateau surrounded by sea cliffs.

Mona Island is inhabited. It is a flat plateau surrounded by sea cliffs.

“We reiterate that disembarking in Mona Island is very dangerous,” stated Ramiro Cerrillo, Ramey Sector Chief Patrol Agent. “Migrants have drowned as smugglers have forced them to swim to the shore.”

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 adult males, 4 adult females and 1 juvenile female, which claimed to be Cuban nationals.

US Coast Guard transported the group to the Mayaguez port where Border Patrol Agents assumed custody for screening and processing.

A pregnant female was immediately taken to a local hospital to evaluate her health, and was released with a good prognosis. 

During the FY 2016, the Ramey Border Patrol Sector has apprehended 132 Cuban migrants.

After admissibility processing at the Border Patrol Station, Cuban nationals will receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) before an Immigration Judge.

The Administration has no plans to change our current immigration policy toward Cuba or seek legislative change regarding the Cuban Adjustment Act.

CBP continues  to promote safe, legal and orderly migration from Cuba under our Migration Accords and deter dangerous and unlawful migration from Cuba. 

CBP maintains a robust posture regarding the enforcement of our immigration laws along the nation’s borders and coastal areas.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021