CBP arrest 5 previously removed aliens found as stowaways inside a barge arriving in San Juan, Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announces the arrest and prosecution of five aliens from the Dominican Republic found as stowaways.

On Jan. 30, CBP Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team Officers (A-TCET) responded to a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) request and conducted an at-sea enforcement boarding which resulted in the apprehension of one stowaway.

CBP Officers also responded to Isla Grande Pier and conducted a vessel search of a tugboat and a barge (“El Conquistador”) that had arrived from Jacksonville, Florida. During the search four additional stowaways, claiming to be citizens of the Dominican Republic, were arrested.

All five individuals were determined to be aliens from the Dominican Republic who had been previously deported or removed from the United States.

A federal criminal complaint was filed for violations of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326 for illegal re-entry after a previous deportation or removal, charging: (1) Nicauri Rodriguez Melo, (2) Julio Campana Damaso, (3) Joel Baez Marte, (4) Anthony Junior Solano, and (5) Silverio Arias Vasquez.

On Jan. 31, all five defendants made an initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Hector Ramos-Vega.

“The arrest of previously removed aliens who entered as stowaways underscores the importance of our domestic and international vessel operators to improve their security to deter migrants from pursuing this dangerous option,” stated Roberto Vaquero, Director of the San Juan Office of Field Operations.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

CBP’s mission is to safeguard America’s borders thereby protecting the public from dangerous people and materials while enhancing the nation’s global economic competitiveness by enabling legitimate trade and travel.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.