Marshals Office of Public Affairs (703) 740-1699. Get FBI email alerts This is the first part of a series where youll get an inside look at USERTfrom their rigorous training to tools of the trade. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - On March 10, 2021, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 30 violent gang members with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and aiding and abetting in the possession/distribution of controlled substances, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United That's more than 2.3 million people. As Puerto Rico continues to reopen and welcome more tourists, experts and residents worry that travelers unwillingness to follow Covid-19 protocols could reverse some of the progress theyve made so far. The defendants had access to different vehicles to transport money, narcotics, and firearms. Its not clear how this periodand the Trump-led U.S. governments blithe disregard throughout itwill affect the statehood debate. No portions of this website may be reproduced, retransmitted, copied, or republished without expressed written consent from Shore News Media & Marketing, LLC. Ten Steps to Doing Business with the USMS. Elected Democrats generally know better than to express their support for statehood in blatantly partisan terms, but some Republicans have gone ahead and expressed their opposition that way. According to PRTC, the growth in Puerto Rico tourism seen in 2021 has been bolstered by a 24% increase in lodgings, with 4,306 registered on the island as of late-September 2021, compared to 3,471 registered in 2020. Abraham Villasenor Landa It is alleged that on February 15, 2021, officers in Puerto Rico conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with expired registration tags that Rodriguez-Maldonado was driving and during the encounter, Rodriguez-Maldonado led officers on a high speed pursuit and shot at two officers. The Puerto Rico Warrant Search links below open in a new window and take you to third party websites that provide access to PR public records. Scenes of American tourists violating Covid-19 measures and mandates while visiting Puerto Rico have stirred indignation among residents worried that their efforts to control the pandemic may be marred as more visitors arrive on spring break trips. If we implemented D.C. and Puerto Rican statehood and passed redistricting reform, that would roughly triple our chance of holding the House in 2022 and roughly the same in the Senate, polling expert David Shor told New York magazine in a recent interview. "We can say that we have experienced one of the most fruitful stages in the history of tourism in Puerto Rico," said Carlos . 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080 2090 2100 Year 4.0M 3.5M 3.0M 2.5M 2.0M 1.5M 1.0M 500k 0.0 Population Population, 1990-2100. The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the conspiracy, to wit leaders, enforcers, runners, sellers, and facilitators. Call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE to report suspicious activityReport Crime, Learn facts about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. We are not guilty for the lack of guidance and the bad behavior of the tourists, the Merchants Association of La Placita de Santurce said in a Facebook post. indicated Carmona Serrano was residing in Puerto Rico, acting as a The Puerto Rico Tourism Company announced this week that it launched an English-language educational campaign to alert tourists of the island's Covid-19 restrictions and the consequences of not following the rules. Additional information about the U.S. All Rights Reserved. Required fields are marked *. For Democrats, the idea has obvious appeal: Democrats can support congressional representation for long-underserved populations and boost their own electoral odds at the same time. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. JC was simply amazing and very patient and knowledgeable. Puerto Rico has fully vaccinated just over 73% of its 3.3 million residents, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anyone who says Puerto Rico is automatically a Democratic state is just not being honest and probably just doing a dog whistle for their base.. HUNG TIEN PHAM. Additional information about the U.S. The overall unemployment rate in Puerto Rico in April 2021 was 8.4 percent, and since May 2020 has ranged between 8.3 - 9.3 percent of the labor force. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. Your email address will not be published. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection collaborated during the arrests. U.S. Slate is published by The Slate Group, a Graham Holdings Company. Still, most Republicans dont seem in a hurry to take a chance. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. "They were behaving as if no one else existed in Old San Juan," Melndez Ayala told NBC News. Puerto Ricans in the U.S. territory have avoided overwhelming their already fragile health care system during the pandemic so far, mainly because of extraordinary measures the local government put in place early on and peoples willingness to comply with them. Marshals Office of Public Affairs (703) 740-1699. Up to 8,041 crimes classified as illegal appropriations were recorded in the . Marshals from the Violent Fugitive Task Force and Hartford police arrested Jeffrey Lopez-Alameda Thursday morning in the 200 block of Hillside Avenue. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myriam Fernndez, Chief of the Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Linet Surez are in charge of the prosecution of the case. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. About twice as many Puerto Ricans participated in the Democratic primary as the Republican one in 2016the last time both parties had a competitive race. pic.twitter.com/FwPuP9Rjvr, At the same time, Puerto Rico's governor said Thursday he sees the anticipated rise in tourism as something positive. warrant against Orlando Carmona Serrano for drug trafficking and If you have information about the whereabouts of these fugitives, immediately contact your local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office or call the national hotline at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE as soon as possible. Evaluate Andrs Cuadro's men's volleyball recruiting profile. Arrest of Victor J. Pizarro-Santiago, 02.23.2023 Not quite. An official website of the United States government. Without the strong backing of figures like Scott and Rubio, the bill has almost no chance of getting 60 votes in the Senate. So whether Puerto Ricos four House members and two senators would even be guaranteed Democrats is not as obvious as it might seem. . St. Croix Man Sentenced 150 Months' Incarceration on Home Invasion and Carjacking Conviction. An official website of the United States government. Hartford police worked with U.S. We encountered an issue signing you up. If you look at the actual data, Puerto Rico is genuinely a swing state, says Laws Garca. He encouraged residents recording the incidents to contact the police immediately to ensure officers can respond to the scene. What is clear, both from the anti-Rosell movement and from the strong performance of third parties in the 2020 election, is that it has led to widespread frustration at the status quo. Some who support independence. It is a popular vacation spot for people in the US & Canada. Tour San Juan for shopping and sightseeing alongside colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. For her part, the DMOs chief marketing officer, Leah Chandler, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the traveler experience. Bush gave the statehood movement its biggest presidential boost to date by affirming his support in the State of the Union address. We remain committed to protecting our families and communities. Find Out With This Weeks News Quiz. You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. On March 22, 2021 Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force and Puerto Rico Police Bureau agents located the residence of Sierra Jimenez in the Jardines de Selle public housing project, where he was placed under arrest without incident. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. While Florida, like many states in the South, has seen high infection rates and troubling death counts, Puerto Rico has been . Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Information developed by New York investigators indicated Carmona Serrano was residing in Puerto Rico, acting as a leader of a drug trafficking organization operating out of several public housing projects in the San Juan metro area. Subscribe The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) Mayagez Strike Force investigated the case. With much of the worlds travel limited, Puerto Rico is becoming a popular destination for mainland Americans. Some co-conspirators collected the profits from the drug trafficking sales and traveled within the municipality of Mayagez and other areas nearby to deliver the proceeds to the leaders of the organization. "This is a clear statement to all fugitives from the law," said U.S. Unless otherwise stated, photos Big Stock Photography Dreamstime Photos Google Maps Thompson Reuters. Puerto Rico was one of the first U.S. jurisdictions to issue a mask mandate and currently has the longest pandemic-related curfew compared to any state. Most people speak both English & Spanish. Being just a two-hour flight from Miami, it's easy to get to. The administration plans to release $1.3 billion that was meant to help Puerto Rico rebuild after Hurricane Maria in 2017, and will remove restrictions on another $4.9 billion. Marshals and CBP Agents transfer a Puerto Rico's 10 Most Wanted March 20, 2021, 3:00 AM PDT By Nicole Acevedo Scenes of American tourists violating Covid-19 measures and mandates while visiting Puerto Rico have stirred indignation among residents worried. Statehood advocates like Laws Garca dismiss this proposal as unnecessarily convoluted and argue that Puerto Rican voters have already had their say via their elected representatives. A CT bill would expand it fur, Is CT recycling going into the trash? It is an unincorporated US territory. As part of the conspiracy, the members of the drug trafficking gang established drug points that moved within different areas inside the public housing project to avoid police detection. Its main rival, the Popular Democratic Party, or PPD, advocates continuing as a commonwealth with enhanced self-governance. The population is just over 3-million people, with an additional 4-million tourists . Combating cross-border criminal activity is a critical component of the overall safety, security and well-being of our nation. It was the sixth time a vote on the islands status had been held, but this one differed from its predecessors by only including two optionsyes to statehood, or no. And as far as beaches go, it doesn't get better than the sands of Isla de Viequesparticularly Mosquito Bay, where at night, the water glows blue-green thanks to . Discover Puerto Ricos marketing campaigns showcase the islands beaches and popular attractions such as Old San Juan, the El Yunque rainforest and bioluminescent bays as well as highlight Puerto Rican cultural traditions such as bomba dancing; the vejigantes tradition of folkloric characters who make an appearance at festivals; Puerto Rican music; culinary delights such as bacalaitos, empanadillas and mofongo; and cocktails like the pia colada, which is widely believed to have originated in Puerto Rico. During the last election cycle, thenSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell described adding the two new states as an example of full-bore socialism. Arizona Senate candidate Martha McSally warned that if the new states were added, Republicans might never get the Senate back.. At night here, its almost as if we had no curfew," Lpez told WKAQ. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Firearm Possession; Gang Membership; Narcotics, Immigration Authority Delegation Program 287(g). Marshal shotand killed suspect during warrant execution in D.C. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. One straightforward solutionsome sayis to restructure things by adding more states. When you try to analyze Puerto Rican politics in terms of American politics, you get lost, says Rep. Nydia Velzquez, who grew up in Puerto Rico and today represents parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan in the U.S. House. Leslie Adames, director, Estudios Tcnicos Economic Analysis and Policy Division. An AK-47, Glock pistol, narcotics and a large amount of U.S. currency was also found in the residence. Theres a sister or two who support statehood. traffic stop. San Juan, PR U.S. It seems like were not responding to the incidents, but we truly are, Police Commissioner Antonio Lpez Figueroa said days earlier about the situation. QuickFacts provides statistics for all states and counties, and for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more. The indictment alleges that from in or about the year 2016, to the date of the return of the indictment, the drug trafficking organization distributed cocaine base (commonly known as crack), heroin, cocaine, and marihuana, within 1,000 feet of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Public Housing Project (PHP), and other areas in the municipality of Mayagez, all for financial gain and profit. SEVP is a part of the National Security Investigations Division and acts as a bridge for government organizations that have an interest in information on nonimmigrants whose primary reason for coming to the United States is to be students. U.S. Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force (PRVOTF) investigators quickly began searching for Sierra Jimenez based on violations of his supervised release conditions. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. The candidates from the pro-commonwealth PPD, the Citizens Victory Movement, and the Independence Party combined for a little less than 60 percent of the vote, which also suggests that support for statehood is not exactly overwhelming. Lopez-Alameda got a Connecticut license using the stolen social security card and had been living in the state under the stolen identity for over a year, officials said. Republicans themselves have historically been divided on the question of Puerto Ricos status. Puerto Rico authorities after he shot at a police officer during a Puerto Rico authorities after he shot at a police officer during a. traffic stop. Sierra Jimenez was on supervised release at the time of the incident. Vacillating Wildly From Dispiriting to Exhilarating, During the debate over statehood for Alaska. It was the sixth time a vote on the island's status had been held, but this one differed from . In 48 hours, they received $10,000. Thats exactly what statehood advocates are trying to do now. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Send me updates about Slate special offers. As a member of Congress, I should not interfere with that process. He also notes that in Alaska and Hawaii, support for statehood increased dramatically after Congress officially put statehood on the table, making it a viable and realistic option. under arrest without incident. 2021, after a year-long investigation the PRVOTF located the residence Americas Since the start of the pandemic, at least 1,079 have been arrested for violating Covid-19 restrictions put in place by executive orders, Lpez Figueroa said last week, adding that Puerto Rican police have received at least 3,689 complaints over Covid-19 violations. Thanks for signing up! An AK-47, Glock pistol, narcotics and a large amount of U.S. currency was also found in the residence. The currently dominant New Progressive Party, or PNP, favors statehood. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - On March 29, 2021, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned a six-count indictment charging 25 gang members with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and aiding and abetting in the possession/distribution of controlled substances, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United Think Youre Smarter Than a What Next Producer? An official website of the United States government. The defendants indicted are: Norbert A. Molina-Avils, a/k/a Alex Fogn, Emilio Rivera-Rodrguez, a/k/a Gafas/Chino, Josu M. Justiniano-Mndez, a/k/a Molle, Alexander Justiniano-Pagn, a/k/a Alex Tota, Israel Rivera-Acosta, a/k/a Yiyo/Guillo, Christian Joel Soto-Caldern, a/k/a Salsilla, Walberto Rivera-Vigo, a/k/a Wally El Pelotero, Jos L. Malav-Gonzlez, a/k/a Lichi Motora. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has backed statehood in the past, but recently changed his tune, saying that the 2020 referendum process was not fair and tying his objections to a controversial law critics say is aimed at turning the island into a tax haven. Additional information about the U.S. Visit FBIJobs.gov for information on current hiring and recruitment opportunities, including internships and collegiate hiring. One thing the islands factions can probably agree on, from the strongest statehood supporters to the most ardent nationalists, is that framing Puerto Ricos future in terms of what it means for partisan control of Congress is not exactly helpful. CT proposal causes confusion, concern. RENEL DESTINA. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Marshals Office of Public Affairs (703) 740-1699 U.S. WKAQ-TV (channel 2) is a television station in San Juan, Puerto Rico, serving as the U.S. territory's dual Telemundo and NBC outlet. This solution would then be put to the voters for a final referendum. Crimes Against Children. continue to work closely with our state local law enforcement partners Most Wanted Captured Abreu, Cesar Leonidas Controlled Substance Possession Agzamov, Sandjar Harboring Aliens; RICO Antunez-Sotelo, Mario Human Trafficking Archaga Caras, Yulan An Firearm Possession; Gang Membership; Narcotics Captured Ayala-Martinez, Robin Al Removal Bocanegra-Lupian, Julian Immigration Violations De La Trinidad Ramirez C Democratic voters dont need convincing: 76 percent of them now support Puerto Rico statehood, according to a recent Data for Progress poll, a 7 percentage point increase since last year. 02.28.2023 Officials said he was wanted in connection with a 2019 homicide in Puerto Rico. Other videos show disorderly tourists getting into fights, dancing on top of moving vehicles, and destroying private property around Puerto Ricos metropolitan area, including well-known tourist spots. 140 Carlos Chardon AvenueHato Rey, PR 00918(787) 987-6500, Municipalities covered: Aguas Buenas, Arecibo, Barceloneta, Bayamn, Caguas, Canovanas, Carolina, Catao, Cayey, Ciales, Cidra, Comerio, Corozal, Dorado, Florida, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Loiza, Manati, Morovis, Naranjito, San Juan, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, and Utuado. "This is another significant arrest since the new initiative led by the U.S. But neither is the support for any other option. In most municipios it has remained at or below 10 percent, but in many interior mountain areas it is a whopping 10-20 percent. "Yes, everyone is welcome, but what we do warn everyone is that there is an executive order that must be followed and it applies to everyone, from visitors to residents.". On May 31, 2019, authorities in Puerto Rico issued an arrest warrant for Lopez-Alameda, charging him with first-degree murder, attempted murder and weapons violations. But George Laws Garca, executive director of the Puerto Rico Statehood Council, a D.C.-based advocacy group, argues that the majority has spoken, and that its time to move forward. (This was at least an improvement over the 2017 referendum, which was boycotted by the opposition and only got 23 percent turnout.) The island has been a semi-independent commonwealth since 1952, but the U.S. Congressin which Puerto Rico does not have a votestill exercises significant control over its political affairs. Contact USA.gov, usmarshals.gov is an official site of the U.S. Federal Government, U.S. Department of Justice. The co-conspirators of the gang used force, violence, and intimidation to maintain control of the areas in which they operated. . Covers Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Carmona Serrano was charged June 3, 2020, with attempted murder by Puerto Rico authorities after he shot at a police officer during a traffic stop. Puerto Rico Language Print 2019 population 3.5M 2019 fertility rate 1.1 2019 educational attainment (years) 12.5 How is the population forecasted to change? We share the mission of taking violent criminals off the streets and enhancing community-wide efforts to make Puerto Rico a safer place.. It paid off, and it's a lesson for the mainland. They provided no additional information about the homicide. emailStay Connected All rights reserved. Just last weekend, the police issued over 500 fines, including 110 for not wearing a mask, Lpez Figueroa said. The .gov means its official. I have seven brothers and sisters. According to the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), the main suspect was Juan Sierra Jimenez. The site is secure. The 30 co-conspirators acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: four suppliers and 26 sellers.