BORDER NEWS The Border Patrol is investigating whether two Cuban-Americans detained for their role in smuggling 33 Cubans to Florida are part of a larger Cuban smuggling ring based in Miami, Florida. The pair was arrested following a 20-mile chase after Border Patrol agents saw them in a boat near the location where the migrants had come ashore.
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Twenty-two people have died in an attempt to reach the US from Guatemala. According to the sole survivor, they boarded a boat on July 13th at the Guatemala-Mexico border. They were caught in a storm the next day and their boat capsized in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico. *********
Three cameras are being installed along the northern border in New York to try to stop migrants from entering the US by boat or raft across the Niagara River. The cameras will allow for 24-hour monitoring, and because they have infrared detection, can be used at night. About 2000 people a year are arrested for illegally entering the US in the area.
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Four stowaways from Cameroon on board a cargo ship bound for Florida peacefully surrendered to the US Coast Guard after the crew locked them out on the deck and radioed the Coast Guard. According to the stowaways, they had been beaten by the crewmembers. The crew, however, claimed that the stowaways had attacked one crewmember and threatened the rest. The stowaways had been on board the ship since April 30, leading to speculation as to why they were only now reported. One possible reason is that captains are often reluctant to report stowaways because the shipping company will face fines.
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A woman was shot and killed following an argument over payment she was to receive for her role in sheparding a group of smuggled immigrants to a safe house. The woman, Maria S. Gutierrez, herself once an undocumented immigrant, was shot by a man who had been deported for a felony conviction two years ago. The man confessed to police and was arrested along with a companion. Family members say they cannot understand why she took such risks when she was paid only $100 for each person she assisted, although they believe that she was motivated by her concern to help others find a better life in the US.
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More than two dozen Dominicans were discovered aboard a ship on the Mississippi River just north of New Orleans and taken into INS custody. They were found by the ship’s captain, who notified authorities and landed as soon as possible. He said that none of the stowaways attempted to resist, although two climbed down a rope off the ship. They have not been found. Seven of the people are juveniles. All of those involved face deportation. Authorities say it is not uncommon for Dominicans to try to sneak into the US through New Orleans, as many ships from the Dominican Republic frequently sail there. < Back | Next > Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk. | 
