CBP Captures 14 Cubans on Mona Island, Puerto Rico

The Air and Marine unit of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) service along with agents of the U.S. Border Patrol apprehended 14 Cuban refugees on Mona Island, Puerto Rico. The Cubans had recently completed a very dangers boat trip from Cuba through the treacherous Mona Passage.

“Crossing the Mona Passage is a treacherous voyage filled with many dangers that pose a huge risk to migrants,” stated Ramiro Cerrillo, Ramey Sector Chief Patrol Agent in a press release obtained by Breitbart Texas. “We issue a concerned warning on the danger of traversing the Mona Passage with the hope of avoiding an unfortunate event like the one last week.”

Puerto Rican park rangers notified the Border Patrol station about the landing of the boat with a group of illegal immigrants on-board. The boat was carrying 12 males and 2 females who all claimed to be Cuban nationals.

The CBP subsequently re-issued a Spanish language warning to alert future refugees of the dangers of attempting to cross through the Mona Passage, officials said. Just last week the Dominican Navy rescued eight people from a boat which capsized with twenty-three people on-board, the Dominican Today reported. The multi-national contingent set sail from Juan Dolio en route to Puerto Rico. Fifteen people appear to have been lost in that incident.

“Air and Marine assets patrol the coastal areas of the island to interdict smuggling ventures and to assist those in distress,” said Johnny Morales, Director of Air Operations at the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. “Reaching Mona Island is a dangerous enterprise which migrants must be aware of its dangers.”

Earlier this month, thirteen Cubans were also captured after landing on Mona Island. The immigrants, who all entered American territory illegally, were given notices to appear before an immigration judge. They will then be processed under the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966 and the Cuban Migration Agreement of 1995.

These reports come at the same time Breitbart Texas has reported on a flood of Cuban aliens are stranded in Costa Rica. They are now being flown to Mexico where they will cross into the United States and apply for asylum.

Bob Price is a senior political news contributor for Breitbart Texas and a member of the original Breitbart Texas team. He is also a Life Member of the NRA. Follow him on Twitter @BobPriceBBTX.