Yaquelin Dominguez-Nieves, 25, an undocumented Cuban woman, was sentenced on Friday to seven and a half years by federal officials for her participation in an illegal human smuggling operation that resulted in 16 deaths, according to federal officials. On January 21, 202,5, she entered her guilty plea regarding alien smuggling conspiracy.
Dominguez-Nieves illegally entered the U.S. in October 2022. A month later, she and her boyfriend organized an illegal boat service from Cuba that brought 18 Cuban migrants across the Florida Straits into U.S. waters, costing South Florida families thousands in fees to transport relatives over. Official estimates estimated Dominguez-Nieves made at least $11,500 personally through this venture alone! On November 16th, 2022, an 18-migrant boat left Cuba but unfortunately sank during its voyage, killing 16 individuals, including children, before two survivors managed to make it safely across.
Dominguez-Nieves was at the core of illegal maritime migration; she planned and profited from her journey despite knowing about potential hazards. This case highlighted his illegal behavior as evidence, and the prosecution utilized him as an example.
As part of its sentence, the court stressed the tragic ramifications of this smuggling attempt, including its loss of life. To help avoid similar tragedies in the future, the U.S. Department of Justice continues its investigations of human smuggling networks operating between Cuba and Florida while taking measures to stop similar tragedies from repeating themselves. Authorities have yet to ascertain Dominguez-Nieves’ partner and her legal standing; she could potentially face criminal charges associated with her fatal journey. Contact us for fire watch services today