US federal agents nab 48 Haitian migrants on uninhabited island off Puerto Rico

In a recent development, US federal authorities announced on Wednesday that they have apprehended 48 Haitian migrants who were left stranded on an uninhabited island situated between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. 

Migrants stranded on Mona Island

The US Customs and Border Protection revealed that it was park rangers stationed on Mona Island who first alerted authorities to the presence of these stranded migrants. 

Among the group were 41 men and seven women, all of whom had been left to fend for themselves on this rugged and isolated island. 

A desperate escape from Haiti’s troubles

Mona Island, surrounded by treacherous waters, has become an increasingly popular drop-off point for Haitian migrants as they desperately flee the dire conditions of poverty and gang violence plaguing their homeland.

This incident on Mona Island follows an incident that occurred in June 2022 when at least five Haitian migrants lost their lives. 

Reports are that at least five Haitian migrants died and 68 others were rescued after authorities said smugglers dropped the group off in waters near Mona Island.