Coast Guard, US-VISIT expands biometrics-at-sea to Florida Straits
Since the program began in November 2006, the Coast Guard has collected biometric data from 1,526 migrants and prosecuted 118 of those migrants; program was tested in the Mona Passage between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, and judged successful, is now being expanded to the Florida Straits
The U.S. Coast Guard and US-VISIT said last week that they were expanding their biometrics-at-sea program to the south Florida Straits. “The Coast Guard is charged with securing the more than 95,000 miles of America’s coastline,” said Rear Adm. Wayne Justice, director of response policy. “Broadening the scope of the program represents DHS’s commitment to use every tool we have to deter, detect, apprehend, and prosecute illegal migrants, migrant smugglers and smuggling organizations.” Since the program began in November 2006, it has collected biometric data from 1,526 migrants and prosecuted 118 of those migrants. Migrant interdictions in the Mona Pass were down 50% between FY 2006 and FY 2007. “As we expand use of this valuable tool, we are helping to close the door on those risking their lives and the lives of others to enter our country illegally,” said US-VISIT director Robert Mocny. “Because biometrics are so reliable, we are able to prosecute more illegal migrants and migrant smugglers to help deter others from attempting such dangerous voyages.”
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