VEGA BAJA, Puerto Rico (CMC) — The United States (US) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says its agents have arrested five undocumented Caribbean nationals at a construction site in Puerto Rico.

ICE said four Dominican Republic nationals and one Haitian were apprehended during a targeted worksite enforcement operation in Vega Baja.

ICE said the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the US Marshals Service, the US Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, the Office of Field Operations, the US Border Patrol, the Vega Baja Municipal Police, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau assisted in the operation.

All five Caribbean nationals are being held by ICE pending deportation proceedings.

“Through worksite enforcement investigations, ICE often uncovers more than just unauthorised employment — many cases reveal serious crimes like document fraud, human smuggling and human trafficking,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos.

“Following the president’s executive order, ICE San Juan will continue enforcing the immigration laws in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands,” she added.

ICE officials emphasised the agency’s continued focus on identifying public safety and national security threats.

“Individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are encountered during enforcement operations may be taken into custody and processed for removal in accordance with federal law,” ICE said.