The United States Coast Guard (USCG) announced on Thursday that it has repatriated 18 Cuban migrants who were detained at sea. The agency detailed that the migrants were apprehended "following three interdictions of illegal and irregular migrant voyages in the Florida Straits."
Just a week ago, the USCG also repatriated 31 Cuban migrants who were attempting to reach the United States in various vessels intercepted in the same area. Lieutenant Commander Juan Ramírez, a prosecutor for the Coast Guard's Seventh District, emphasized that their "top priority is to prevent the tragic loss of life at sea," while reminding that "safe, orderly, and legal migration is best for the United States and our Caribbean partner countries."
The U.S. government continues to stress that anyone attempting or arriving illegally by sea will not be allowed to remain in the country, will be processed in accordance with U.S. laws and policies, and will be returned to their country of origin or point of departure.
The exodus of Cuban migrants, primarily heading to the United States either by sea or land, shows no signs of abating. In April, 17,870 Cubans arrived by sea and land to the northern country, according to statistics from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Currently, seven migrants are missing after reaching Grand Cayman a week ago but decided to continue their journey to the United States.
Key Information on Cuban Migrant Interdictions
In this section, we address some frequently asked questions regarding the recent interdictions and repatriations of Cuban migrants by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Why were the Cuban migrants repatriated?
The Cuban migrants were repatriated following their interception at sea during attempts to reach the United States illegally. U.S. policy mandates that those intercepted at sea are processed and returned to their country of origin.
What is the role of the U.S. Coast Guard in these operations?
The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for patrolling and securing maritime borders, including the interdiction of illegal and irregular migrant voyages. Their top priority is to prevent loss of life at sea and ensure safe, orderly, and legal migration.
What are the consequences for migrants intercepted at sea?
Migrants intercepted at sea are not allowed to remain in the United States. They are processed according to U.S. laws and policies and are returned to their country of origin or point of departure.