The .gov means its official. The population is just over 3-million people, with an additional 4-million tourists . This arrest operation spotlights the hard work and dedicated partnership between federal and state law enforcement agencies, said W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Report Waste, Fraud, Abuse or Misconduct to the Inspector General, USAO Monitor Selection for Corporate Criminal Enforcement. 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. Todays arrests serve as an example of law enforcements dedication to disrupting and dismantling violent drug organizations that affect not only the citizens of Mayagez but all of Puerto Rico, said DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge A.J. RENEL DESTINA. The statehood movement faces resistance from two sides: partisan Republicans and statehood skeptics within the Puerto Rican and Puerto Rican American community. of Carmona Serrano in the town of Trujillo Alto, where he was placed Her death was the first femicide of 2021 in Puerto Rico, where violence against women is a longstanding problem. Follow NBC Latino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Officials said he was wanted in connection with a 2019 homicide in Puerto Rico. History of the FBI's San Juan, Puerto Rico Field Office. That's more than 2.3 million people . Adaily email update of the stories you need to read right now. Published December 12, 2021. . DC & Puerto Rico Statehood - Pros & Cons - ProCon.org Housing units, July 1, 2021, (V2021) X: Owner-occupied housing unit rate, 2017-2021: 68.0%: Median value of owner-occupied housing units, 2017-2021: $111,800: The campaign was designed to distinguish Puerto Rico from other destinations by highlighting the islands rich historical, gastronomical and musical heritage. 'Chaotic situation': Puerto Ricans indignant at tourists breaking Covid U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Puerto Rico Most Wanted Fugitives | DEA.gov 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. Most Wanted Fugitives Chuen Yip Wanted for the following alleged federal violations: Title 21 USC 846 Yulan Andony Archaga Carias Wanted for the following alleged federal violations: Cocaine importation; racketeering conspiracy; possession and conspiracy to possess machine guns Ismael Zambada Garcia Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at https://www.usmarshals.gov. Marshals Office of Public Affairs (703) 740-1699 U.S. at http://www.usmarshals.gov. 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. This indictment and the arrests this morning demonstrate our continued resolve to combat drug trafficking, said W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Marshal Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra. Stunning views and amazing guide! - WASAJU - tripadvisor.co.uk Demonstrators outside the Capitol in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Aug. 2, 2019. Tara O'Neill was formerly a breaking news reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. . Then in 2017 came Hurricane Maria, whose initial devastation was followed by indifference and neglect from the mainland, leading to prolonged suffering and mass death. For her part, the DMOs chief marketing officer, Leah Chandler, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the traveler experience. The PNPs Pedro Pierluisi won with just 33 percent of the votes. 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. An official website of the United States government. It is owned and operated by the Telemundo Station Group subsidiary of NBCUniversal.WKAQ-TV's studios are located on Franklin Roosevelt Avenue in San Juan near Hiram Bithorn Stadium, and its transmitter is located on Cerro la Santa in Cayey near the Bosque Estatal . Wanted and Missing Persons Community Outreach Wanted by the FBI This page features fugitives wanted by the FBI for a variety of violent and non-violent crimes, terrorism suspects, kidnapped. The currently dominant New Progressive Party, or PNP, favors statehood. We're still living in the middle of a pandemic, and people can't come here and act as if the virus doesn't exist. This story was written by our staff based on a press release. 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. Whether Puerto Rico actually wants to be a state is still an open question. If passed, the bill, modeled on the admission process for Hawaii and Alaska, would trigger one last in/out referendum in Puerto Rico, whichif it passedwould create the 51st state. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. An official website of the United States government. 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. Combating cross-border criminal activity is a critical component of the overall safety, security and well-being of our nation. Hike the massive El Yunque rainforest to explore waterfalls and wildlife. He was transported to police headquarters and is awaiting extradition to Puerto Rico. U.S. Puerto Rico has fully vaccinated just over 73% of its 3.3 million residents, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As part of the conspiracy, the members of the drug trafficking gang established drug points that would move within different areas inside the public housing projects in order to avoid police detection; and operated during the day and night, at times operated 24 hours a day. Resident Agencies. 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.. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Not quite. "I don't have a problem with people trying to have a good time, but they have to be respectful. The defendants had access to different vehicles to transport money, narcotics, and firearms. Even as Puerto Rico has lingered in the stasis of commonwealth status, it has been through an extraordinarily tumultuous few years materially and politically. Her killing ignited a women's rights movement in Puerto Rico - USA Today 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. 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. PEDRO SANTAMARIA. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Part of the argument for admitting Hawaii at the same time was that it was more Republican-leaning and would balance things out. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Puerto Rico Tourism Hits Record in 2021 - Biz Latin Hub Even Florida Sen. Rick Scott, long on record backing statehood, has been backing away from that stance, saying the territorys debt issues should be resolved first. Marshals from the Violent Fugitive Task Force and Hartford police arrested Jeffrey Lopez-Alameda Thursday morning in the 200 block of Hillside Avenue. But to Velzquez, the main point is that Congress should not be privileging one status option over another when its still a live debate on the island. Congress is unlikely to act without a clear and unambiguous signal from the island, but such a signal is unlikely unless Puerto Ricans see clear and unambiguous support from Congress. Carmona Serrano was charged June 3, 2020, with attempted murder by We share the mission of taking violent criminals off the streets and enhancing community-wide efforts to make Puerto Rico a safer place.. Andrs Cuadro's Men's Volleyball Recruiting Profile 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. Then, in 2020, came a deadly earthquake. . Republicans themselves have historically been divided on the question of Puerto Ricos status. As a member of Congress, I should not interfere with that process. It is a popular vacation spot for people in the US & Canada. Unless otherwise stated, photos Big Stock Photography Dreamstime Photos Google Maps Thompson Reuters. Experts and residents worry that tourists unwillingness to follow Covid-19 measures could reverse the island's successful efforts at containing the virus. Olga D. Wagenheim, et al., "Puerto Rico," britannica.com, June 5, 2021: 30. Puerto Rico's Most Rocking New Year's Eve In 500 Years Will Roll More IE 11 is not supported. This was an amazing and informative guide! 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. The site is secure. 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. Why Ketanji Brown Jackson Split With the Courts Liberals in a 54 Decision. 02.28.2023 Marshals Office of Public Affairs (703) 740-1699. under arrest without incident. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra. She reports, writes and produces stories for NBC Latino and NBCNews.com. Bush gave the statehood movement its biggest presidential boost to date by affirming his support in the State of the Union address. The accolade, which in the past has been awarded to notable companies such as SpaceX, Warner Media and Microsoft, is specifically for the success of the destination marketing organizations Live Boricua campaign in promoting Puerto Rican culture as a unique selling point of the island. HARTFORD A city man concealed his identity for more than a year after he committed a homicide in Puerto Rico, according to the U.S. Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force (PRVOTF) investigators quickly began searching for Sierra Jimenez based on violations of his supervised release conditions. U.S. Marshals Arrest Massacre Suspect in Puerto Rico Puerto Rico has fully vaccinated just over 73% of its 3.3 million residents, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ", Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak. Mr. Vasquez-Rodriguez faces charges of shooting the security guard in a San Juan nightclub. U.S. 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. Within its first six months, the campaign reached 36 million households, resulting in an increase in travelers familiarity and positive perception of Puerto Rico, leading to record visitation numbers, lodging income, tax revenue and jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector in 2022. A CT bill would expand it fur, Is CT recycling going into the trash? Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. 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. This solution would then be put to the voters for a final referendum. Subscribe We aim to create a special connection that will lead them to return to our destination.. They provided no additional information about the homicide. 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 . 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. 2021, San Juan, Puerto Rico The Distrito entertainment complex opened in August 2021 as a . Investigators said Lopez-Alameda fled Puerto Rico after the April 2019 homicide, obtained a stolen social security card and assumed the identity of Radames Negron Gonzalez.. Who am I to tell any of my family whats right for them? she says. Carmona Serrano was charged June 3, 2020, with attempted murder by. Nine defendants are facing one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. FBI's 15 Most Wanted Illinois Fugitives Of 2021 He took what we wanted to see and incorporated the most thorough . 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. to make our streets and communities safer.. Think Youre Smarter Than a What Next Producer? For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. On January 7, 2020, the Southern District of New York issued an arrest Carmona Serrano was subsequently featured as one of the. The islands government was mired in a grinding debt crisisthe result, in large part, of federal economic policieswhich the Obama administration responded to in 2016 by setting up an oversight board to manage Puerto Ricos finances; the board is widely despised on the island as an unelected colonial imposition. No portions of this website may be reproduced, retransmitted, copied, or republished without expressed written consent from Shore News Media & Marketing, LLC. You can also submit a tip electronically at tips.fbi.gov. After hurricanes, earthquakes, financial crises and mass emigration A large amount of U.S. currency and several firearms were confiscated at the residence. "They were behaving as if no one else existed in Old San Juan," Melndez Ayala told NBC News. . Puerto Rico 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor A weekly compilation of engaging digital content. 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. That's more than 2.3 million people. The individuals indicted are: Miguel ngel Santiago-Jimnez, a/k/a Miguelito, Joseph Vlez-Mondessi, a/k/a El Negro/Joe, Eduardo Rodrguez-Rodrguez, a/k/a Edward, William F. Vlez-Borrero, a/k/a El Negro, Nelson Rosario-Snchez, a/k/a El Menor/Nelsito. Thats exactly what statehood advocates are trying to do now. Vacationers will have many interesting places to visit and fun things to do from relaxing on uncrowded beaches, hiking a tropical forest, kayaking in bioluminescent bays, and visiting UNESCO historic sites to thrilling activities. WASAJU: Stunning views and amazing guide! Some who support free association. Ten Steps to Doing Business with the USMS. "The Marshals will continue to work closely with our state local law enforcement partners to make our streets and communities safer.". You can report suspicious activities and crime by contacting your local FBI office 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are very honored with this recognition, he said. Puerto Rico. "We can say that we have experienced one of the most fruitful stages in the history of tourism in Puerto Rico," said Carlos . En la @CTPuertoRico estamos comprometidos con continuar apoyando los esfuerzos que llevan acabo las agencias de ley y orden, el aeropuerto y el sector privado de velar por el cumplimiento de medidas de seguridad y protocolos del COVID-19. Get FBI email alerts We are committed to dismantling and removing the threat posed by these criminal organizations flooding our communities with dangerous narcotics and violence., This case exemplifies that those involved in the distribution of narcotics and other contraband will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted, said Ivn J. Arvelo, special agent in charge for HSI San Juan. ICE identifies and apprehends removable noncitizens, detains these individuals and removes illegal noncitizens from the United States. It paid off, and it's a lesson for the mainland. On May 31, 2019, authorities in Puerto Rico issued an . The political future of Puerto Rico has been hotly debated for decades. Tour San Juan for shopping and sightseeing alongside colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Contact USA.gov, usmarshals.gov is an official site of the U.S. Federal Government, U.S. Department of Justice. Puerto Rico | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation Especially on the weekends, people go on until 1, 2, even 3 a.m. The island currently has a midnight curfew. An AK-47, Glock pistol, narcotics and a large amount of U.S. currency was also found in the residence. Report Waste, Fraud, Abuse or Misconduct to the Inspector General, Defendants are facing a forfeiture allegation of five million dollars, USAO Monitor Selection for Corporate Criminal Enforcement. It seems like were not responding to the incidents, but we truly are, Police Commissioner Antonio Lpez Figueroa said days earlier about the situation. So whether Puerto Ricos four House members and two senators would even be guaranteed Democrats is not as obvious as it might seem. Two Individuals and a Healthcare Management Company Indicted for Bankruptcy Fraud, Money Laundering, PPP Fraud, and Bank Fraud, 02.23.2023 Contact USA.gov, usmarshals.gov is an official site of the U.S. Federal Government, U.S. Department of Justice. Thanks for signing up! News is my Business was born in November 2010 out of a desire to provide no-nonsense, straightforward, English-language news relevant to Puerto Ricos business community, in an all-digital format. In the summer of 2021, Padilla Dalmau and Graulau launched 9 Millones' crowdfunding platform with a call for donations to support a story Graulau wanted to produce about overdevelopment in Puerto Rico that was endangering natural resources. 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. The site is secure. 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 States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico statehood: Does Puerto Rico want it? - Slate Magazine Woman reported missing 31 years ago and declared dead has been found Thats not quite how it turned out in the long run. Police seeking suspect wanted for multiple North Philadelphia bar robberies, targeting liquor, Additional information about the U.S. organization (DTO) wanted in the Southern District of New York. They have a sense of entitlement and apathy I don't understand.