A federal judge in Miami has sentenced 26-year-old Cuban national Yaquelin Dominguez-Nieves to seven and a half years in prison for her role in a human smuggling operation that tragically ended with the deaths of 16 Cuban migrants in November 2022, according to the Department of Justice. The woman, who was unlawfully residing in the United States, conspired to bring 18 Cuban migrants into the country via a boat journey that ended in disaster.
Dominguez-Nieves entered a guilty plea on January 21, 2025, to charges of conspiracy related to human smuggling. Although her sentencing was scheduled for April 11, it was delayed. Prosecutors revealed that in October 2022, Dominguez-Nieves and an accomplice organized the illegal transport of migrants from Cuba to the shores of Florida.
The accused collected more than $11,500 from families in South Florida whose relatives were to be smuggled, transferring these funds to her accomplice in Cuba. On November 16, 2022, a fishing vessel, designed to carry eight people but loaded with 18 migrants, departed from Playa Jaimanitas. The boat capsized roughly 30 miles into its journey, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals, including children and teenagers.
Only two survivors managed to escape the tragedy, with the bodies of four victims later recovered at sea. The cause of death was determined to be drowning. Authorities noted the vessel lacked life jackets and the captain was inexperienced in operating the boat.
Federal Judge Beth Bloom issued a sentence that exceeded federal sentencing guidelines due to the severe nature of the crime. The case was investigated by the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) of the Department of Homeland Security, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, Border Patrol, the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.
This incident is part of the national initiative "Operation Take Back America," which aims to combat illegal immigration and dismantle transnational criminal organizations.
Key Details on the Human Smuggling Case Involving Yaquelin Dominguez-Nieves
What charges did Yaquelin Dominguez-Nieves face?
Yaquelin Dominguez-Nieves was charged with conspiracy to commit human smuggling and related offenses.
How many migrants died in the smuggling operation?
The operation resulted in the deaths of 16 migrants, including children and teenagers.
What was the role of the U.S. Coast Guard in this case?
The U.S. Coast Guard provided assistance in the investigation led by the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) of the Department of Homeland Security.