Seven Cuban rafters were repatriated this Tuesday after being intercepted by U.S. Coast Guard crews in two separate operations near the Florida Keys.
One of the vessels was sinking when it was detected by the U.S. Coast Guard, according to a brief statement posted by the USCG on social media platform X.
"The crew of the USCG cutter Paul Clark repatriated 7 migrants to Cuba on Tuesday after two separate interceptions of illegal maritime migration near the Florida Keys. One migrant vessel was sinking when crews arrived," the agency noted.
Amid the relentless wave of migrants from Cuba attempting to reach U.S. soil, American border agencies continue to act to control and reduce illegal maritime migration while striving to preserve the lives of those undertaking the perilous crossing of the Florida Straits, often in makeshift vessels.
The U.S. government has emphasized that all individuals attempting or arriving illegally by sea will not be allowed to stay in the country, will be processed according to U.S. laws and policies, and returned to their country of origin or departure.
In line with this, throughout 2024, the U.S. has deported an unspecified number of rafters who have landed in South Florida by air, out of a total of 714 Cuban migrants returned to the island in 15 flights.
In May, 18,988 Cubans entered the United States through its borders, according to monthly data published by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Of these, 7,491 arrived by sea.
The desperation caused by the shortages and lack of opportunities in Cuba, due to the systemic crisis that the country is experiencing and that affects its population, has led many Cubans, especially young people, to leave the island in recent years.
Despite the risks, one of the routes used by Cubans remains the maritime crossing, which has claimed the lives of thousands of people over more than six decades of the socialist regime in Cuba.
Recently, one of the tragic shipwrecks that occurred in the waters of the Florida Straits has once again gained media attention: on November 16, 2022, at least 16 people, including several children, drowned when the boat they were traveling in capsized 30 miles off the Cuban coast.
Last week, U.S. authorities arrested and charged a Cuban woman residing in Florida with human trafficking, involved in the smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of those migrants in 2022. Yaquelin Domínguez Nieves, 25, is awaiting trial and, if convicted, could face a life sentence or even the death penalty.
Understanding the Recent Interceptions of Cuban Migrants
In light of the recent repatriation of Cuban rafters, there are several key questions and answers that can provide further insight into the issue of illegal maritime migration from Cuba.
What happens to Cuban rafters intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard?
Cuban rafters intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard are typically repatriated to Cuba. They are processed according to U.S. laws and policies and returned to their country of origin or departure.
How many Cuban migrants have been returned to Cuba in 2024?
Throughout 2024, the U.S. has deported an unspecified number of Cuban rafters by air, with a total of 714 Cuban migrants returned to the island in 15 flights.
What are the risks of the maritime crossing from Cuba to the U.S.?
The maritime crossing from Cuba to the U.S. is extremely dangerous. Many migrants use makeshift vessels, and thousands have lost their lives over the past six decades attempting the journey.
Who was recently charged with human trafficking related to a fatal 2022 shipwreck?
Yaquelin Domínguez Nieves, a 25-year-old Cuban woman residing in Florida, was recently arrested and charged with human trafficking for her involvement in a smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of 16 migrants in 2022.