U.S. Border Patrol agents reported the arrest of six migrants on Friday at the ferry terminal in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among those detained were individuals from Cuba, although the exact number of Cuban nationals was not specified. The group also included people from Syria, Cameroon, and Ecuador, according to a statement by Reggie Johnson, acting chief patrol agent of the Ramey sector.
The Ramey Sector is one of 21 sectors scattered across the United States. It encompasses the U.S. territorial islands of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and is the only Border Patrol Sector located outside the continental U.S. This Sector's border area is entirely coastal, covering approximately 6,000 square miles of land and sea, including the 12-mile territorial waters surrounding the islands.
"Our agents are on the front lines, tirelessly working to safeguard our borders," Johnson stated in a message shared on Twitter, now known as X. He did not elaborate on the procedures for those detained, but typically, such cases could lead to expedited deportation after being processed by immigration authorities.
Johnson emphasized, "There are safe, orderly, and legal pathways to reach the United States. There's no need to risk lives by crossing the Mona Passage with ruthless smugglers, only to arrive on our shores and face the legal consequences of illegal entry."
He further remarked on the deceit spread by smugglers, stating, "Smugglers and bad actors continue to propagate falsehoods, showing complete disregard for the safety and well-being of vulnerable migrants."
Earlier this month, three Cuban rafters were repatriated after being intercepted about 10 miles southwest of the Marquesas Keys. This interception occurred under severe weather conditions as the powerful Hurricane Helene approached Florida.