Florida authorities arrested Cuban citizen Yaquelin Domínguez-Nieves, 25 years old and resident of Sebring, for her alleged involvement in the death of 16 rafters.
An official statement indicates that the woman is awaiting trial, accused of ten charges related to an operation of smuggling foreigners where 16 illegal immigrants drowned, with four bodies recovered at sea.
Markenzy Lapointe, federal prosecutor for the Southern District of Florida, provided statements regarding this case being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller.
Human trafficking companies put migrants' lives at risk in order to make a profit. Traffickers take advantage of immigrants' hopes for a better life. Lapointe stated, "Tragically, the exploits of smugglers pose a serious danger."
In addition, he assured that the United States Attorney's Office has the objective of protecting vulnerable migrants and saving lives, so it will prosecute those who carry out illicit human trafficking operations.
Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. Margelot, from the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), said that the indictment and arrest of Yaquelin Domínguez-Nieves are an example of unwavering dedication to protecting people from the dangers of illegal smuggling operations.
"These criminal activities violate federal law and put human lives in danger. We remain steadfast in our mission to bring to justice those who commit such heinous acts and ensure the security of our maritime borders," he said.
Preliminary investigation data indicates that Domínguez had a smuggling company. On November 16, 2022, during one of the planned trips, 16 immigrants died, many of whom were children. There are three other people accused in this case.
A survivor said the boat was overloaded and did not contain a single life jacket. It sank approximately thirty miles off the coast of Cuba while heading to the South Florida District.
Domínguez faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or death.
The official statement details that the Southeast Field Office of CGIS investigated the case, with the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector in Key West, the U.S. Border Patrol, the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office, and the Highlands County Sheriff's Office.
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