# Mona Passage irregular migration and trafficking

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mona-passage-irregular-migration-and-trafficking
> Updated: 2026-10-13T16:30:54.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Migration attempts via small boats, known as yolas, across the Mona Passage from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico have seen a resurgence. Maritime operations by the Dominican Republic Navy and the United States Coast Guard have conducted numerous rescues of migrants from overloaded or sinking vessels. One recent shipwreck in the passage resulted in three deaths and ten missing persons.

In response to these incidents, federal and Dominican authorities have intensified investigations into human trafficking networks. Héctor Ramírez Carbó, interim chief federal prosecutor in San Juan, announced that the National Security Task Force will target the organizers and financiers of these illegal crossings rather than focusing solely on vessel operators. 

Legal actions in the Dominican Republic have included imposing reporting requirements on individuals accused of organizing illegal voyages. However, data from 2020 to 2024 indicates a significant gap between prosecutions and convictions, with 1,333 people prosecuted for human trafficking and migrant smuggling but only 107 recorded convictions.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-13: Authorities target human trafficking networks between Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

Authorities are expanding investigations into human trafficking networks between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico following a fatal shipwreck, targeting organizers behind illegal migrant voyages.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/authorities-target-human-trafficking-networks-between-dominican-republic-and-puerto-rico

### 2026-10-07: Mona Passage migration via small boats rises between Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

Migrants continue to risk lives crossing the Mona Passage in small boats from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, despite increased maritime interceptions and warnings of repatriation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mona-passage-migration-via-small-boats-rises-between-dominican-republic-and-puerto-rico

---
Cite as: Mona Passage irregular migration and trafficking. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mona-passage-irregular-migration-and-trafficking