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  4. CBP Arrests Criminal Alien Posing As Crewmember in P.R.

CBP Arrests Criminal Alien Posing As Crewmember in P.R.

Release Date
Thu, 04/21/2011

Mayaguez, P.R. - A citizen of the Dominican Republic was arrested yesterday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers after attempting to enter the U.S. as a vessel crewmember.

Juvenal Antonio Batista-Ozuna, presented himself for inspection to CBP officers as a crewmember of the vessel MV Chihuahua Star, arriving from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Batista-Ozuna was referred to secondary inspection for closer examination as the inspection revealed a possible record.

Criminal database review revealed that he was convicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin on July 6, 2006.

Batista-Ozuna was given a Final Administrative Removal Order under Section 238(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act on January 18, 2007 and removed from the U.S. on October 18, 2008 as an aggravated felon.

He will make an initial appearance later today at the US District Court for the San Juan District facing charges for violation to Title 8 United States Code, Section 1326 (b) (2), for attempted re-entry of a previously removed aggravated felon.

"Every day, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are vigilant seeking individuals who try different means to reach the US and circumvent detection," stated Marcelino Borges, director of field operations for CBP in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021