Aggravated felon caught aboard boat near puerto rico; 41 others to be deported

Aggravated felon caught aboard boat near Puerto Rico; 41 others to be deported

by
January 22, 2025

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – U.S. Border Patrol agents, in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, apprehended a Dominican Republic national with a conviction for aggravated felony robbery involving a firearm aboard a small vessel in open waters near Puerto Rico.

Biometric checks identified the individual as Ramon Perez-Valdez, who has a prior deportation on record. Officials confirmed that Perez-Valdez was taken into custody for further processing following his capture.

The vessel also carried 41 undocumented non-citizens, who are now slated for repatriation to their home countries. Authorities have not released further details about their nationalities or circumstances.

“USBP agents and the U.S. Coast Guard apprehended an aggravated felon aboard a small boat in open waters near Puerto Rico,” Chief Michael Banks of U.S. Border Patrol stated in a tweet announcing the operation.

The interdiction is part of ongoing joint efforts by U.S. Border Patrol and the Coast Guard to combat human smuggling and unlawful migration in the Caribbean region.

A Dominican Republic felon and 41 migrants were intercepted at sea as U.S. authorities worked to secure maritime borders.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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