At least a score of Cuban raft migrants were sighted aboard a makeshift vessel near Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Local fishermen filmed the overloaded boat on Friday and wished the undocumented travelers luck on their journey.
As of Saturday morning, no further information was available regarding the current whereabouts of the Cubans, as there were no reports of their arrival at any beach in the vacation destination the previous day, explained the news outlet Quintana Roo News on X.
The publication warns that the migrants were traveling in a fragile, overloaded, homemade boat equipped with an adapted engine for propulsion. The ongoing Cuban migration crisis has driven many immigrants to take perilous sea routes leading them to the Mexican coast.
Recent Detentions
On Friday, the Isla Mujeres Police detained 11 Cuban raft migrants who were traveling in a public transport vehicle after arriving in the country on an improvised vessel. The migrants disembarked following a dangerous sea journey and attempted to enter the territory through the Punta Sam area but were intercepted at one of the local police checkpoints.
The undocumented immigrants are currently under police custody until their legal status is resolved. It is likely that some of these Cubans may be deported back to the island.
FAQs on Cuban Raft Migrants and Their Journey
This section aims to address common questions regarding the perilous journey undertaken by Cuban raft migrants and the challenges they face.
Why do Cuban migrants take such dangerous routes?
Many Cuban migrants are driven by the dire economic and political situation in Cuba, seeking better opportunities and freedom in other countries.
What happens to migrants intercepted by local authorities?
Intercepted migrants are usually taken into police custody while their legal status is determined. They may face deportation back to Cuba or other legal proceedings.