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  4. CBP apprehends 14 Cubans that reached Mona Island

CBP apprehends 14 Cubans that reached Mona Island

Release Date
Mon, 07/11/2016

AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol Agents apprehended Sunday 14 Cuban migrants after landing in Mona Island.  

“We consistently convey our concern of how human smugglers leave migrants in Mona knowing the dangers involved,” stated Ramiro Cerrillo, Ramey Sector Chief Patrol Agent. “It is part of our mission to prevent the loss of life and make migrants aware of how the danger that is inherent to reaching Mona Island.” 

Border Patrol Agents board a USCG cutter to interivew migrants in Mona Island
Border Patrol Agents board a USCG cutter
to interivew migrants in Mona Island

Park Rangers from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), on Mona Island, reported the presence of 14 undocumented migrants (eight (8) males and six (6) females) claiming to be Cuban nationals.

Three (3) of the females had mild skin burns, and two (2) males had skin burns and skin allergy. 

The United States Coast Guard embarked all aliens onboard a USCG Cutter and transported them to the Mayaguez Port of Entry, where Border Patrol agents took custody of all subjects and transported them to the Ramey Border Patrol Station.  The five (5) subjects with skin burns and allergic reactions were transported to the Aguadilla Medical Center for treatment. 

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

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.

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