It does seem likely that Puerto Rico would be a mostly blue state for the time being. Hartford police worked with U.S. pic.twitter.com/FwPuP9Rjvr, At the same time, Puerto Rico's governor said Thursday he sees the anticipated rise in tourism as something positive. "The Marshals will continue to work closely with our state local law enforcement partners to make our streets and communities safer.". 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. Were seeing a chaotic situation, something we havent seen before, Oscar Medina, a San Juan resident, told WKAQ, the local TV news station from NBC's sister network Telemundo in Puerto Rico. "We are doing people-powered journalism. 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. Covers Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. and the White House had issued a controversial report saying the federal government could do anything it wanted with Puerto Rico, including selling it to another . 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. 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. Please try again. Thanks for signing up! U.S. An official website of the United States government. During the debate over statehood for Alaska in the 1950s, the assumption was that the state would be Democratic, and indeed its first two elected senators were Democrats. The statehood movement faces resistance from two sides: partisan Republicans and statehood skeptics within the Puerto Rican and Puerto Rican American community. If convicted of both the drug and firearms charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life in prison. Officials said he was wanted in connection with a 2019 homicide in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico enacted strict Covid measures. Episode 5: What's it like to be a special agent with HSI? A CT bill would expand it fur, Is CT recycling going into the trash? Thats why you never have a referendum with major participation.. Download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak. The indictment alleges that from in or about the year 2017, 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 Manuel Hernndez Rosa, commonly known as Candelaria, Rafael Hernndez, also known as Kennedy, and El Carmen Public Housing Projects, and other areas in the municipality of Mayagez, all for financial gain and profit. Not quite. "This is a clear statement to all fugitives from the law," said U.S. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. the District of Puerto Rico Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra. U.S. The 30 co-conspirators acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: four suppliers and 26 sellers. It is an unincorporated US territory. Unemployment remains high in Puerto Rico. But when it comes to Covid-19, the two places have little in common. Puerto Rico authorities after he shot at a police officer during a. traffic stop. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. 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. HUNG TIEN PHAM. Marshals Service can be found at https://www.usmarshals.gov. 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. 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. Tour San Juan for shopping and sightseeing alongside colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Puerto Rico is a large island located in the Caribbean. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. On May 31, 2019, authorities in Puerto Rico issued an . Puerto Rico Perform a free Puerto Rico public warrant search, including warrant records, checks, lookups, databases, inquiries, lists, and bench warrant searches. Arrest of Victor J. Pizarro-Santiago, 02.23.2023 One straightforward solutionsome sayis to restructure things by adding more states. Marshal Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra announces the arrest of Juan Sierra Jimenez, a dangerous fugitive and main suspect of a shooting that left five people dead. We remain committed to protecting our families and communities. Contact USA.gov, usmarshals.gov is an official site of the U.S. Federal Government, U.S. Department of Justice. The US wanted Puerto Rico specifically to build a strong naval military presence in the Caribbean (which continues to this day), and to ease access to the then in-progress Panama Canal (which would be completed in 1914). St. Croix Man Sentenced 150 Months' Incarceration on Home Invasion and Carjacking Conviction. Marshals Office of Public Affairs (703) 740-1699. 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. But that doesnt mean it would stay that way forever. On January 7, 2020, the Southern District of New York issued an arrest warrant against Orlando Carmona Serrano for drug trafficking and firearms violations. You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. Question settled? In 2020, on the same day as the U.S. presidential election, Puerto Rico held a statehood referendum. Resident Agencies. Send me updates about Slate special offers. That frustration, however, does not necessarily mean an end to the stalemate over Puerto Ricos status. Marshals Service said. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. WASAJU: Stunning views and amazing guide! Abraham Angulo Wanted for the following alleged federal violations: The following alleged Federal Drug Violations:Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Conspiracy to distribute Cocaine; Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Conspiracy to launder Monetary Instruments; Laundering of Monetary Instruments. A couple of tourists dance on the beach in the tourist zone of El Condado in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Sunday. 2008-2023 - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd. Co. All rights reserved. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Marshals Service can be found U.S. Earlier during the pandemic, most instances of community spread on the island could be linked to Puerto Ricos main airport, mainly from mainland Puerto Ricans traveling to the island, Ramos said. "I don't have a problem with people trying to have a good time, but they have to be respectful. "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.". But Puerto Rico has not seen an uptick in cases since December, reporting its lowest positivity rate in February (5.2 percent) since Covid-19 deaths rose around Thanksgiving. "They were behaving as if no one else existed in Old San Juan," Melndez Ayala told NBC News. Gov. . 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? 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. Still, most Republicans dont seem in a hurry to take a chance. The site is secure. This is the first part of a series where youll get an inside look at USERTfrom their rigorous training to tools of the trade. U.S. No portions of this website may be reproduced, retransmitted, copied, or republished without expressed written consent from Shore News Media & Marketing, LLC. San Juan, PR The U.S. Marshals-led Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force arrested a suspected leader of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) wanted in the Southern District of New York. 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. A lock () or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. The Republican opposition to Puerto Rican statehood is a little ironic. Not again.". Get FBI email alerts 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. Reviewed 30 August 2021 . Puerto Rico Violent Offenders Task Force (PRVOTF) investigators quickly began searching for Sierra Jimenez based on violations of his supervised release conditions. At different points during the conspiracy the leaders provided members of the organization with different types of firearms to protect themselves, the narcotics, and their proceeds. "This is another significant arrest since the new initiative led by the U.S. An AK-47, Glock pistol, narcotics and a large amount of U.S. currency was also found in the residence. Why Ketanji Brown Jackson Split With the Courts Liberals in a 54 Decision. of Carmona Serrano in the town of Trujillo Alto, where he was placed Opponents also say the vote was a stunt by the PNP to bring its supporters to the polls for the governors election happening the same day. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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. We encountered an issue signing you up. Marshals Service can be found, 16-year-old reported missing in Gaithersburg, One shot in Virginia Beach Friday Afternoon, Man wanted for lewdness inside NYC subway station, Man charged for killing Asbury Womans dog, No foul play after woman found dead in Carlstadt motel, DC suspect who lit victims hair on fire in suspected hate crime arrested, NYPD investigating armed robbery at Queens pharmacy, Seaside Park whale buried at the beach, initial tests hint at possible cause of death, Asbury Park man tortured and killed pet cat, prosecutor alleges, NYC teacher arrested for assaulting juvenile student. Your email address will not be published. Bush gave the statehood movement its biggest presidential boost to date by affirming his support in the State of the Union address. An AK-47, Glock pistol, narcotics and a large amount of U.S. currency was also found in the residence. 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. On Feb. 17, 2011, a Puerto Rico court accused Mr. Vasquez-Rodriguez, in absentia, for attempted murder and illegal use of a weapon on February 17, 2011, allocating a $ 750K bond. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Without the strong backing of figures like Scott and Rubio, the bill has almost no chance of getting 60 votes in the Senate. 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. The population is just over 3-million people, with an additional 4-million tourists . under arrest without incident. He is believed to be an active member of the Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion National de Puerto Rico, or FALN, a clandestine . Especially on the weekends, people go on until 1, 2, even 3 a.m. The island currently has a midnight curfew. Its not clear how this periodand the Trump-led U.S. governments blithe disregard throughout itwill affect the statehood debate. Some co-conspirators would routinely possess, carry, brandish, and use firearms to protect themselves and their drug trafficking organization. While Florida, like many states in the South, has seen high infection rates and troubling death counts, Puerto Rico has been . It seems like were not responding to the incidents, but we truly are, Police Commissioner Antonio Lpez Figueroa said days earlier about the situation. Statehood opponents say the vote was invalidit wasnt recognized by the U.S. Department of Justiceand point out that turnout was low, at less than 55 percent. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The credit union industry continues to perform very well and figures for the financial stability index show a stable behavior.. It's the easternmost island of the Greater Antilles chain, Puerto Rico is a large Caribbean . Its main rival, the Popular Democratic Party, or PPD, advocates continuing as a commonwealth with enhanced self-governance. An official website of the United States government. They provided no additional information about the homicide. The 29-year-old, a nurse and mother of three girls, just wanted to be safe. Puerto Rico. The way I see it, whenever Puerto Ricans are faced with the question of making a final decision, most people walk away from it. 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. Americas First Federal Law Enforcement Agency, Have a question about government services? You can also submit a tip electronically at tips.fbi.gov. 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: Two New York representatives of Puerto Rican descentVelzquez and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezare about to introduce their own competing bill, the Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act. 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. If you look at the actual data, Puerto Rico is genuinely a swing state, says Laws Garca. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. We are very honored with this recognition, he said. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra. The .gov means its official. 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. At night here, its almost as if we had no curfew," Lpez told WKAQ. The political future of Puerto Rico has been hotly debated for decades. Abraham Villasenor Landa Because of the cheap flights, were receiving tourists were not used to seeing," said Dr. Victor Ramos, president of Puerto Rico's physicians association and part of groups of science experts advising Gov. Published by Teresa Romero , Jun 22, 2022. Ten Steps to Doing Business with the USMS. 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. With much of the worlds travel limited, Puerto Rico is becoming a popular destination for mainland Americans. Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website. Some who support free association. 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. The PNPs Pedro Pierluisi won with just 33 percent of the votes. Marshal Wilmer Ocasio-Ibarra. 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. . He took what we wanted to see and incorporated the most thorough . Crimes Against Children. In 48 hours, they received $10,000. An official website of the United States government. And . This was an amazing and informative guide! Required fields are marked *. firearms violations. The campaign was designed to distinguish Puerto Rico from other destinations by highlighting the islands rich historical, gastronomical and musical heritage. Republicans themselves have historically been divided on the question of Puerto Ricos status. He may also be facing some pressure from Puerto Rican voters in New York, where support for statehood tends to be lower than it is in Floridathe other major center of the Puerto Rican population on the mainland. 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 Hike the massive El Yunque rainforest to explore waterfalls and wildlife. from S/NY, the PRVOTF assumed the lead on the investigation. 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.. Top 10 most wanted in the District of Puerto Rico. 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. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), PGA Tours 15th Puerto Rico Open kicks off, Iberia to promote Puerto Rico, add flights to route, Sounds like Puerto Rico series nominated for 5 Emmy Awards, Op-Ed: Under Deans inspiring leadership, DMO guides islands tourism boom. [+] game-changer for the island's nightlife, events and marketing, Discover Puerto Rico. The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the conspiracy, to wit leaders, enforcers, runners, sellers, and facilitators. The .gov means its official. Most people speak both English & Spanish. Even as Puerto Rico has lingered in the stasis of commonwealth status, it has been through an extraordinarily tumultuous few years materially and politically. While the bill is portrayed by opponents as an attempt to block statehood, Velzquez says she is not campaigning for any of the status options. Discover Puerto Rico's 'Live Boricua' campaign highlights Puerto Rican culinary delights such as the 'bacalaito,' or cod fritter. On October 14, 2019 a drug related shootout took place in the Ramos Antonini public housing project where five people were shot and killed. The smaller Independence Party advocates for a complete break from the U.S. (A newly formed left-wing party, the Citizens Victory Movement, aims to distinguish itself by intentionally downplaying the statehood question.). 2021, San Juan, Puerto Rico The Distrito entertainment complex opened in August 2021 as a . 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. to make our streets and communities safer.. 2021 News is My Business. Visit FBIJobs.gov for information on current hiring and recruitment opportunities, including internships and collegiate hiring. As a member of Congress, I should not interfere with that process. Pedro Pierluisi. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Learn how this Colegio Lourdes student is connecting with coaches in PR and nationwide. The Live Boricua campaign has conveyed some of the islands culture to potential visitors worldwide, resulting in an economic boost for the islands visitor economy. 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. No Thanks 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. Puerto Ricans have had U.S. citizenship since 1917, but werent able to elect their own government until 1948. Carmona Serrano was subsequently featured as one of the 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 . Along with our main office in San Juan, we have five satellite offices, known as resident agencies, in the area. One of the major damages that colonialism does to you is the fear of making final decisions, says journalist and historian Pedro Reina-Prez. QuickFacts provides statistics for all states and counties, and for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more. warrant against Orlando Carmona Serrano for drug trafficking and Nicole Acevedo is a reporter for NBC News Digital. President Joe Biden has been vague but certainly does not seem opposed to the idea. Even Joe Manchin, the Senates swing vote and previously a Puerto Rico statehood skeptic, now at least says hes open to the idea. 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 States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. I have seven brothers and sisters. indicated Carmona Serrano was residing in Puerto Rico, acting as a 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. Some who support independence. Ned Lamont and General Assembly leaders to to focus on offsetting a potential property tax Armageddon. Marshals took place. 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. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Puerto Rico QuickFacts Table (a) Includes persons reporting only one race (c) Economic Census - Puerto Rico data are not comparable to U.S. Economic Census data (b) Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in applicable race categories 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. Carmona Serrano was charged June 3, 2020, with attempted murder by. Carmona Serrano was subsequently featured as one of the "Top 10" most wanted in the District of Puerto Rico. According to the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), the main suspect was Juan Sierra Jimenez. 02.28.2023 The site is secure. 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. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) A Pennsylvania woman who went missing more than 30 years ago in a case that stumped authorities who later declared her legally dead has been found living in a . FBIs Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team, Two Individuals and a Healthcare Management Company Indicted for Bankruptcy Fraud, Money Laundering, PPP Fraud, and Bank Fraud, St. Croix Man Sentenced 150 Months' Incarceration on Home Invasion and Carjacking Conviction, FBI.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice, Municipalities covered: Aguada, Aguadilla, Aasco, Cabo Rojo, Camuy, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Isabela, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Maricao, Mayaguez, Moca, Quebradillas, Rincon, Sabana Grande, San German, and San Sebastin, Municipalities covered: Arroyo, Ceiba, Culebra, Fajardo, Humacao, Juncos, Las Piedras, Luquillo, Maunabo, Naguabo, Patillas, Rio Grande, San Lorenzo, Vieques, and Yabucoa, Municipalities covered: Adjuntas, Aibonito, Barranquitas, Coamo, Guanica, Guayama, Guayanilla, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Orocovis, Peuelas, Ponce, Salinas, Santa Isabel, Villalba, and Yauco, Territory covered: St. John, St. Thomas, and Water Island. But neither is the support for any other option. Discover Puerto Ricos chief executive officer, Brad Dean, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the organizations desire to showcase the islands unique culture to visitors. Then, in December 2019, an earthquake sequence began shaking southwest Puerto Rico, destroying homes and devastating a region with some of the island's poorest towns, and displacing residents . Follow NBC Latino on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Combating cross-border criminal activity is a critical component of the overall safety, security and well-being of our nation. DEA and our federal, state and local partners have not let our guard down. The following year, however, another tendency in the party emerged when proto-Trumpian figure Pat Buchanan began publicly opposing statehood for Puerto Rico, which he portrayed as packed with welfare recipients and political radicals, not to mention Spanish speakers who would bring a fundamental change in the character of our union. Anticipating McConnell two decades later, Buchanan argued that Puerto Ricos liberal representatives and senators would overturn the Reagan revolution. As recently as 2016, the Republican Party platform explicitly backed making Puerto Rico a state, but Buchanans arguments still did their job: Only 30 percent of Republicans support the idea.