A group of 12 Cuban rafters were repatriated this Tuesday by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) after being intercepted at sea, according to authorities. A post on X specified that the Cuban migrants were detained 13 miles off the coast of Islamorada, in the Florida Keys.
The report did not provide additional details regarding the circumstances under which the Cubans were intercepted. The repatriation was carried out by the crew of the USCG Cutter Raymond. Authorities once again urged Cubans not to risk their lives at sea to reach the shores of Florida.
The surge of Cubans heading to the United States, whether by sea or land, shows no signs of ending. Nearly 19,000 Cubans entered the U.S. through its borders in May alone, according to data published by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Of that total, 7,491 arrived by sea, confirming the ongoing influx of Cuban rafters to the United States.
The U.S. government continues to stress that all individuals 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 departure.
In the case of migrants arriving by sea and detained by the Border Patrol after reaching U.S. soil, they are processed to be returned to their country of origin by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), with a ban on re-entering the country legally for five years.
Despite the authorities' efforts to dissuade Cuban rafters, illegal maritime migration remains an option for those who desperately wish to leave the country and have no other way to do so.
USCG's Vigilance in the Florida Straits
In early July, the U.S. Coast Guard explained how they search for rafter boats in the waters of the Florida Straits. The program La Voz de América boarded one of the USCG's surveillance planes and showcased the daily patrols of the waters between Cuba and southern Florida in search of immigrants attempting to enter the United States illegally.
The coastguards explained in the report that they try to locate unsafe vessels loaded with migrants trying to reach the country's shores through an extremely dangerous sea. The Straits of Florida are 150 km wide at their narrowest point and 1,800 meters deep.
They search for a unique profile that stands out from a cruise ship or a recreational vessel, something that appears to be a very rustic boat. The technicians also use specialized radars and night infrared sensors to detect these vessels.
FAQs on Cuban Rafters and US Immigration Policies
To provide clarity on the situation of Cuban rafters and the US immigration policies, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What happens to Cuban migrants intercepted at sea?
Cuban migrants intercepted at sea by the US Coast Guard are typically repatriated to Cuba. They are processed according to US laws and policies and are not allowed to stay in the United States.
How many Cubans entered the US by sea in May?
In May, 7,491 Cubans entered the United States by sea, as reported by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
What are the penalties for migrants caught entering the US illegally by sea?
Migrants caught entering the US illegally by sea face repatriation and a legal ban on re-entering the United States for five years, enforced by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).