ICE agents raid Barrio Obrero in search of undocumented migrants

Federal agents conducted an operation in San Juan’s Barrio Obrero on Sunday to arrest undocumented migrants as part of President Donald Trump’s executive order.

The officials aimed to enforce federal immigration laws in Puerto Rico, following Trump’s directive for stricter policies against undocumented individuals nationwide. Most of those apprehended were from the Dominican Republic. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with federal agencies of the U.S. Department of Justice, stated that they are implementing the presidential executive order by joining immigration enforcement efforts that align with the initiative to “Protect the American People from Invasion.” The agency emphasized the significance of enforcing immigration laws for national security and public safety in the United States. ICE plays a key role in identifying and detaining individuals who may pose a threat, as well as cooperating with other law enforcement agencies to achieve the objectives of the order.

At the time of this report, the exact number of individuals taken into custody was not immediately available. José Rodríguez, the president of the Committee for Human Rights of Dominicans living in Puerto Rico, reported last week that many Dominicans have stopped working due to fear of U.S. immigration enforcement. He said he visited areas in Río Piedras and Barrio Obrero -- locations where many Dominicans typically work -- but noticed an absence of people.