Coast Guard repatriates 73 migrants to Dominican Republic following 5 interdictions in the Mona Passage 

10/18/2023 04:05 PM EDT

Coast Guard crews repatriated 73 migrants to the Dominican Republic between Saturday and Wednesday, following the interdiction of five overloaded vessels in Mona Passage waters off the west coast of Puerto Rico.  “Irregular migration voyages in the Mona Passage are highly dangerous and an unlawful means to enter the United States,” said Cmdr. Gerard Wenk, Sector San Juan chief of response. “Anyone thinking of taking part in one of these voyages must understand that their life will be at risk, and when they are interdicted at sea or apprehended ashore, they will not be allowed to stay in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.”  Furthermore, anyone who arrives unlawfully will be repatriated to their country of origin or returned to the country they departed and may be declared ineligible for legal immigration parole options.