Coast Guard returns 58 migrants to Dominican Republic following at-sea interdiction near Puerto Rico

The crew of Coast Guard Cutters Joseph Doyle and Joseph Napier returned 58 migrants to the Dominican Republic between Saturday and Monday, following the interdictions of an irregular, unlawful maritime migration voyage in Mona Passage waters near Puerto Rico. The cutter Joseph Doyle crew returned 56 migrants to a Dominican Republic Navy vessel, Saturday, while the cutter Joseph Napier crew repatriated two remaining migrants from the group to a Dominican Republic Navy vessel, Monday, just off Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. “Human smuggling in the Mona Passage is a dangerous and inadvisable venture,” said Lt. Cmdr. David S. Radin, Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Doyle commanding officer.  “Smugglers will be identified and prosecuted and trafficked migrants will be repatriated to their country or returned to the country from which the voyage originated.  To those considering undertaking one of these voyages, don’t!  Instead, seek safe and lawful migration pathways.”