SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- A 42-year-old United States citizen, resident of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is in custody in connection with domestic violence charges. The man was arrested yesterday as he was returning to the United States on board the cruise ship Carnival Valor.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers identified Edwin Mills-Martinez upon his arrival in San Juan, as a possible match to an outstanding warrant from the Puerto Rico Police Department. Once his identity was verified and it was confirmed that the warrant was active, he was taken into custody.
Mills’ was transferred to Homeland Security Investigation and the Puerto Rico Police Department for processing.
“During the inspection of passengers and cargo arriving from international destinations, CBP officers are able to enforce laws from multiple agencies, and often detect individuals that are being sought by law enforcement entities nationwide” stated Carlos Zayas, Acting San Juan area port director.
In fiscal year 2013, CBP officers at San Juan ports processed 132 arrests, 24 for individuals wanted for crimes such as murder, rape, assault, robbery and other criminal activity. More than 2,000 illegal immigrants were identified as inadmissible due to national security, insufficient or fraudulent documents, and other relevant concerns.
The Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Customs and Border Protection tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.