Mexican authorities have apprehended 20 Cuban rafters this Saturday, who were spotted by local fishermen near the shores of Isla Mujeres. The migrants were detained at a police checkpoint in Punta Sam, located in the municipality of Isla Mujeres, while traveling in a public transportation van, according to local outlet Quinta Fuerza.
The undocumented individuals arrived in the country on a precarious homemade raft, which was found abandoned on the shores. Following their detention, they were handed over to the National Institute of Migration (INM), which may initiate a deportation process.
On Friday, the outlet Quintana Roo News had released a video filmed by Mexican fishermen showing the migrants crammed into a boat headed towards the Mexican coast. However, no further details had been available until now. The publication warned that the rafters were traveling in a fragile, overloaded homemade boat equipped with an adapted motor for propulsion.
The Cuban migration crisis has led many immigrants to embark on dangerous maritime routes to reach Mexican shores. In May, 51 migrants were detained aboard two boats in the country. Additionally, four migrants were rescued in critical condition after a 34-day journey, while six others had perished.
On Friday, the Isla Mujeres Police detained 11 Cuban rafters traveling in a public transportation vehicle after arriving in the country on an improvised vessel. The migrants disembarked after a perilous maritime 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 will be deported to the island.
Key Questions on Cuban Migrant Detentions in Mexico
The ongoing Cuban migration crisis has raised several important questions about the situation of migrants detained in Mexico. Here are some of the most pertinent questions and their answers.
What happened to the 20 Cuban rafters detained by Mexican authorities?
The 20 Cuban rafters were detained by Mexican authorities near Isla Mujeres and handed over to the National Institute of Migration (INM). They may face deportation proceedings.
How did the Cuban migrants arrive in Mexico?
The migrants arrived in Mexico on a precarious homemade raft, which was later found abandoned on the shores.
What are the risks faced by Cuban migrants during their journey?
Cuban migrants face numerous risks during their journey, including traveling in fragile, overloaded vessels, critical health conditions due to long journeys, and the possibility of death.
What actions are Mexican authorities taking with detained Cuban migrants?
Detained Cuban migrants are placed under the custody of the National Institute of Migration (INM), which may process them for deportation back to Cuba.