A group of 15 Cuban migrants were detained on Sunday night after landing in Key West, Florida. The migrants arrived on a "homemade vessel" at Smathers Beach, according to Samuel Briggs II, the head of the Miami Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, who made the announcement on X.
"They will be processed for deportation proceedings," Briggs stated, noting that the operation involved agents from the U.S. Border Patrol along with other partnered agencies.
Local 10 reported that the migrants reached the shore near the seawall at South Roosevelt Boulevard and that none were injured. As of the time of this report, no further details are available about the incident.
The surge of Cubans heading to the United States, whether by sea or land, shows no signs of abating. Nearly 19,000 Cubans entered the U.S. through its borders in May alone, according to monthly data released by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Of that total, 7,491 made the journey by sea, highlighting the ongoing influx of Cuban rafters to the United States.
The U.S. government continues to emphasize that anyone attempting or arriving illegally by sea will not be allowed to stay in the country. They will be processed according to U.S. laws and policies and returned to their country of origin or the country from which they departed.
Migrants who arrive by sea and are apprehended by the Border Patrol after reaching U.S. soil are processed for return to their home country by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), with a five-year ban on re-entering the United States legally.
Despite efforts by authorities to deter Cuban rafters, illegal maritime migration remains a viable option for those desperate to leave the country with no other means to do so.
Understanding Cuban Migration to the U.S.
With the ongoing surge of Cuban migrants attempting to reach the United States, several key questions arise regarding their journey and the U.S. government's response. Below, we address some of the most pressing questions related to this issue.
Why do so many Cubans attempt to migrate to the United States?
Many Cubans seek to migrate to the U.S. in search of better economic opportunities, political freedom, and improved living conditions, escaping the hardships and restrictions in Cuba.
What happens to Cuban migrants caught by U.S. authorities?
Cuban migrants apprehended by U.S. authorities are processed for deportation and returned to their country of origin or the country from which they departed. They also face a five-year ban on legally re-entering the United States.
How many Cuban migrants entered the U.S. in May?
Nearly 19,000 Cuban migrants entered the U.S. through its borders in May, with 7,491 arriving by sea.