On Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) returned 27 migrants to Cuba following the interception of their unauthorized travel about 23 miles south of the Dry Tortugas.
According to the organization's announcement, a mariner reported to Coast Guard Sector Key West guards on Tuesday that the homemade boat was carrying 27 people.
The individual remained at the scene until authorities and Customs and Border Protection teams arrived on scene to assist the migrants in boarding a U.S. Coast Guard vessel at the Key West station.
Cuban authorities took them into custody as the USCG confirmed its ongoing patrols off the southern coast of Florida by land, air and sea to rescue and return people attempting to illegally enter the United States.
Lt. Marisa Kraiss, enforcement officer for Coast Guard District Seven, emphasized that the top priority is preventing loss of life at sea: “Irregular maritime migration poses a significant risk.”
Kraiss reminded rafters to prioritize their safety rather than putting their lives at risk for deportation. He emphasized the availability of safe and legal options for immigrating to the United States.
The Interior Ministry has stated that these repatriation measures are a collaborative effort between Cuba and the United States to address irregular migration and the criminal activities that often accompany it.
