Immigration Enforcement Operation in Puerto Rico

Introduction to the Operation

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with support from multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies, arrested five undocumented migrants from the Caribbean during a targeted worksite enforcement operation at a construction site in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, on April 10.

According to ICE, the individuals taken into custody include one Haitian national and four Dominican nationals. All five are currently being held pending removal proceedings.

The coordinated operation involved agents from ICE, the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, as well as local authorities including the Vega Baja Municipal Police and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.

Statement from ICE Officials

“Through worksite enforcement investigations, ICE often uncovers more than just unauthorized employment — many cases reveal serious crimes like document fraud, human smuggling, and human trafficking,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos. “Following the president’s executive order, ICE San Juan will continue enforcing the immigration laws in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

ICE officials underscored the agency’s ongoing efforts to prioritize public safety and national security threats. Individuals found to be unlawfully present in the United States during such enforcement actions may be taken into custody and processed for removal in accordance with federal law.

Conclusion

The operation highlights the collaborative efforts of federal and local law enforcement agencies in enforcing immigration laws and prioritizing public safety and national security threats. The enforcement action is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to address unauthorized employment and related crimes.