Tip Leads to Arrest of Illegal Immigrant Arriving in St. Thomas Through Red Hook Ferry Terminal

ST. THOMAS — A Dominican Republic national has been charged with illegally re-entering the United States after previously being removed, according to a Tuesday announcement by U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith.

The individual, identified as 33-year-old Joan Tavarez Bueno, was apprehended on March 10 following a law enforcement stop. Authorities had received information from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) regarding a possible non-citizen arriving in St. Thomas via ferry from St. John.

According to court documents, agents observed an individual matching Tavarez Bueno’s description exiting the Red Hook Ferry Terminal and entering a parked vehicle at the terminal. Law enforcement officials later stopped the vehicle and detained Tavarez Bueno. A records check revealed that he was in the country illegally and had previously been removed from the United States on February 13, 2024.

If convicted, Tavarez Bueno could face a prison sentence of up to two years.

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations in coordination with the National Park Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Payne is leading the prosecution of the case.

U.S. Attorney Smith emphasized that a criminal complaint is an allegation, and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.