US Apprehends 64 Illegal Immigrants Traveling in Boat Near Puerto Rico

Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO) has interdicted a vessel engaged in the maritime smuggling of people in western Puerto Rico, apprehending 64 illegal immigrants.

The operation, which took place on May 9, targeted a vessel that was tightly packed with 64 illegals in a small space.

“The vessel was boarded, and the migrants—58 from the Dominican Republic and six from Haiti—were transferred onto AMO and [Puerto Rico Police Department Joint Forces of Rapid Action] marine assets and transported to the Mayaguez Port of Entry,” Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a May 20 statement.

“Border Patrol agents, with support from [Homeland Security Investigations] and [the Puerto Rico Police Department], processed the group at the Ramey Border Patrol Station for removal proceedings.”

CBP is the largest law enforcement organization in the United States and employs more than 69,000 individuals.

AMO has more than 1,800 federal agents and support personnel, more than 200 aircraft, and 300 marine vessels across the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The division is tasked with interdicting unlawful individuals and cargoes that come near U.S. borders and with investigating criminal networks.

In fiscal year 2024, AMO’s actions led to more than 48,000 apprehensions of illegal immigrants, as well as the disruption or seizure of thousands of pounds of illicit narcotics.

Commenting on the apprehension of 64 illegals, Christopher Hunter, director of the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch, said that the interdiction underscores the “relentless commitment” of AMO agents and partners in securing America’s maritime borders.

“The swift, coordinated response prevented dangerous crossings and ensured migrants received necessary care,” Hunter said. “Our ongoing collaboration is essential to safeguarding Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from the threats posed by illegal maritime activity.”

Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants

On May 18, CBP said that its officers from the John F. Kennedy International Airport took into custody a Honduran illegal alien wanted for felony child sex offense charges. The individual was attempting to flee from the country at the time of his arrest.

The same day, CBP said that Border Patrol agents arrested 19 Mexicans—16 adults and three unaccompanied children—who were hiding in a drainage system near the San Diego border.

“These smuggling attempts are not only dangerous, but they also frequently involve individuals who pose a threat to public safety,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre.

While the Trump administration cracks down on illegal immigrants, it has faced legal challenges regarding some of its policies. Last year, the administration ended a temporary parole granted to more than 900,000 illegal immigrants. A case was filed against the decision.

On March 31, a federal judge ruled against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), assessing that the parole terminations “exceeded the agency’s statutory authority and contradicted the procedures set forth in its own regulations,” and ordered officials to grant parole to people whose parole was revoked.

“[The ruling] is a clear rejection of an administration that has tried to erase lawful status for hundreds of thousands of people with the click of a button,” Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, said in a statement at the time.

A DHS spokesperson criticized the ruling in a statement, calling it “blatant judicial activism” that interfered with President Donald Trump’s authority to determine who is qualified to be in the United States.

“Canceling these paroles is a promise kept to the American people to secure our borders and protect our national security,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the CBP announced in a statement on May 15 that the Trump administration achieved a full year of zero releases at the border, with April marking the 12th straight month with no such releases.

Border enforcement is at “historic levels,” with apprehensions along the southwest border 94 percent lower than during the previous administration, according to the statement.

“Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are delivering the most secure border in American history,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement.

“The days of catch and release are over. We are enforcing the nation’s laws and sending illegal aliens back to their home countries.”

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.