Puerto Rico Immigration Enforcement: 53 Detained in San Juan
SAN JUAN — May 24, 2024 — Authorities in Puerto Rico have detained 53 dominican nationals as part of a recent immigration enforcement operation.The arrests, which took place in San Juan, were confirmed by Office of National Security (HSI) Director Rebecca González and targeted individuals working in the tourism sector. The detainees, who lacked legal identification, are being referred to ICE’s removal office. Immigration officials are reviewing each case, raising questions about the detainees’ future. For further updates, stay tuned.
Puerto Rico Immigration Enforcement: 53 dominicans Detained in san Juan
San Juan – A recent operation in Puerto Rico has resulted in the arrest of 53 Dominican nationals working in the island’s tourism sector. The arrests,confirmed by Office of National Security (HSI) Director Rebecca González,took place at a construction site in the County tourist area of San Juan.
Details of the Operation
- The individuals were employed by a company contracted for construction work at the Hotel La Concha in the County area.
- Among those detained, seven were women.
- The operation was conducted by members of the Customs Immigration and Control Service (ICE), along with agents from other federal agencies.
Legal Status and Documentation
According to authorities, none of those arrested possessed legal identification documents. None of those arrested had identification documents and that some have admitted that they lack defined immigration status,
González stated, tho she did not specify the exact number lacking proper documentation.
Potential Criminal Charges
Authorities are investigating whether any of the detainees have committed criminal offenses. We are going to determine if there is any person who is in violation of some criminal crime to submit the federal crime and move with Federal Prosecutor’s office in that regard,
González said.
Increased Enforcement Actions
Since January 20, federal authorities have intensified enforcement actions against foreigners in Puerto Rico, with a particular focus on Dominicans and Haitians with undefined immigration status.
Statistics on Arrests and Prosecutions
Prior to this operation, 364 individuals had been arrested this year, with 67 prosecuted for serious criminal offenses, including one previously deported immigrant. Authorities have also intervened in 238 businesses in Puerto Rico, many of which are owned by foreigners.
Nationalities of Those arrested
According to ICE-HSI data, among the 364 individuals arrested:
- 245 are from the Dominican Republic
- 31 are from Haiti
- 16 are from Venezuela
- 12 are from mexico
- 9 are from Brazil
- 6 are from China
Deportation Process
gonzález confirmed that the detainees are being referred to ICE’s removal and deportation office, based in Miami, Florida, before being transferred to detention centers for deportation.
