Over 100 migrants aboard two boats intercepted near Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, PR. (CBS12) — Over 100 migrants were taken to the Dominican Republic on Wednesday after two separate interceptions off the coast of Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) said the first interception took place on Monday afternoon, when an aircrew spotted a 20-foot makeshift vessel northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Boat crews were able to intercept the suspected migrant boat and took custody of12 migrants— 11 of whom claimed to be Dominican Republic nationals, while one other claimed to be Haitian.

Later that same day, the Coast Guard said the aircrew spotted another boat, about 30 feet long, not far from the first boat. The USCG said multiple law enforcement agencies were able to intercept the very crowded boat.

The USCG said 98 migrants were removed from the second boat —28 claimed to be Dominican Republic nationals, while 70 others claimed to be Haitians.

See also: Watching two areas in the tropics

The Coast Guard said migrants caught at sea or on land cannot stay in the U.S. or its territories. Additionally, those who enter illegally may be denied legal immigration options and sent back to their home country or the country they came from. The Dominican Republic Navy took custody of the 109 migrants.

“The circumstances and conditions migrants face during these voyages are highly dangerous. Most often, they are forced to embark unseaworthy and grossly overloaded makeshift vessels with little or no lifesaving equipment," said Coast Guard Sector San Juan Chief Cmdr. Matthew Romano. "We urge anyone thinking of taking part in one of these voyages to not take to the sea at risk to your life, and instead seek safe, orderly and lawful migration pathways.”

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