On May 8, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a targeted enforcement operation at a hotel construction site in San Juan, leading to the arrest of 53 illegal aliens. The operation, supported by several federal agencies including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Marshals Service, focused on verifying compliance with U.S. immigration laws at the La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort hotel.
The arrested individuals, all Dominican nationals, included seven females. They are now in ICE custody, pending removal proceedings. ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Juan Special Agent in Charge, Rebecca González-Ramos, explained that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to ensure businesses are not employing individuals who lack the legal right to work in the United States.
“Workplace compliance inspections are a critical part of our efforts to uphold U.S. immigration laws,” González-Ramos said. “We will continue collaborating with local enforcement agencies to identify businesses violating these laws and remove individuals who are illegally present.”
The enforcement operation highlights ICE’s focus on public safety and national security. Individuals found to be in the U.S. illegally are processed for removal under immigration law.
Members of the public with information about suspicious activities or crimes can report them by calling the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submitting a tip online.