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Border Patrol Arrests Cuban for Transporting an Alien in Puerto Rico

Release Date
Sat, 12/16/2017

The defendant was also in possession of a firearm illegally

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol Agents arrested Wednesday a Cuban national for transporting an alien from Dominican Republic, after a reported landing off the coast of the town of Rincon, in the island’s west coast.

Orlando Silvio Diaz-Lemus appeared Friday before US District Court Magistrate Bruce J. McGiverin, facing charges for violation of title 8 United States Code, Section 1324, for transporting illegal aliens and of title 18 United States Code, Section 922, for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.Ramey Agents work with local law enforcement to deter marine smuggling events.

“Our objective is to arrest and bring to justice persons who smuggle aliens into the island and take advantage of them,” stated Ramiro Cerrillo, Chief Patrol Agent for the Ramey Sector.

Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ramey Border Patrol Station responded to a reported maritime smuggling event near Domes Beach in Rincon. A 22-ft makeshift “yola” type wooden vessel was found without an outboard engine attached.

To start the extensive search a CBP Caribbean Air and Marine (CAMB) Blackhawk helicopter was deployed to the area.

Agents searching the area stopped a 2009 Toyota Yaris with two men on board. The driver was identified as the defendant Mr. Diaz-:Lemus, while passenger was a national of the Dominican Republic, illegally present in the United States, who admitted that he had arrived in Rincon from the Dominican Republic onboard the vessel associated with this landing.

Both men were placed under arrest and taken to the Ramey Border Patrol Station in Aguadilla for further investigation and processing. During the search of the vehicle, agents found a Colt revolver loaded with six rounds of ammunition near the driver’s seat.

Thealien from the Dominican Republic will be formally removed. Biometric records revealed that Mr. Diaz-Lemus had prior felony criminal convictions.

On Duty Assistant US Attorney accepted the case for prosecution.  If convicted the defendants will face up to 10 years of imprisonment for each violation, a fine, or both. All defendants are presumed innocent until found guilty by a court of law.

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 12, 2024