Isla Mujeres Police in Mexico apprehended 11 Cuban rafters this Friday, who were traveling in a public transport vehicle after arriving in the country on an improvised raft.
The migrants disembarked following a perilous sea journey and attempted to enter the territory through the Punta Sam area. They were intercepted at one of the local police checkpoints. The undocumented immigrants are currently under police custody while their legal status is being resolved. It is likely that some of these Cubans will be deported back to the island.
The public service vehicle, identified by its economic number R1, carrying the Cubans was stopped during a random inspection in Punta Sam, part of an operation to prevent human trafficking crimes. At that moment, officers realized that the passengers were foreigners without immigration documents.
The driver of the vehicle was also detained and, along with the vehicle, is now under the custody of the State Attorney General's Office.
On the same day, another raft with approximately 20 Cubans on board was spotted by workers in the Mexican fishing sector. The Cuban rafters were navigating towards the United States.
Details on Cuban Rafters Detained in Mexico
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the recent apprehension of Cuban rafters in Mexico.
Why were the Cuban rafters detained by the Mexican police?
The Cuban rafters were detained because they were traveling without proper immigration documents and were identified during a random inspection designed to prevent human trafficking.
What will happen to the detained Cuban rafters?
The Cuban rafters are currently under police custody while their legal status is being processed. It is likely that some of them will be deported back to Cuba.
Was anyone else detained along with the Cuban rafters?
Yes, the driver of the public transport vehicle was also detained and is currently under the custody of the State Attorney General's Office.