A man accused of operating an overcrowded, unlicensed boat tour that capsized near Liberty Island earlier this month has been taken into immigration custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Manuel Hernandez, 46, a national of El Salvador, was arrested after a US Coast Guard Investigative Service investigation confirmed he was unlawfully present in the country. He had initially been charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment by New York authorities.
The incident occurred on August 8 when Hernandez's boat capsized near Liberty Island, killing a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old daughter. Federal prosecutors allege that Hernandez operated unlicensed boat tours, ignored multiple safety requirements, and transported paying customers without the necessary licenses or certifications.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Hernandez claims he entered the United States through Texas in 2007 and lied to a US Customs and Border Protection officer, falsely claiming to be a US citizen. He allegedly took 14 people aboard his vessel, despite its maximum capacity being only 10.
Hernandez is facing two federal charges, including misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that Hernandez would be removed from the country after facing justice for his crimes.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
View original reporting →
