At least 10 Cuban migrants, including two minors, were taken into custody by the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) this Wednesday after reaching Key West.
The group, consisting of eight adults and two minors, arrived in a homemade boat, marking another instance of the increasing migration from Cuba to the United States.
The chief patrol agent of the Miami Sector, Samuel Briggs II, announced in a statement on the social media platform X that officers responded swiftly to the landing in Key West and found the group of Cubans.
The migrants will be placed under federal custody and processed for expulsion, in accordance with U.S. immigration policies.
Another Incident Earlier This Week
This event adds to a similar incident that occurred earlier this week. On Tuesday morning, Border Patrol agents and associated agencies detained 33 rafters from Cuba who managed to reach the Florida Keys.
However, the report did not specify the health status of the rafters or details about the group's composition or their place of origin on the island.
Just five days ago, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted 17 rafters near the Florida Keys and returned them to Cuba.
The U.S. government has reiterated that migrants arriving by sea and detained will be processed by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) to be sent back to their country of origin, with a five-year ban on re-entering the U.S. legally.
Despite efforts by U.S. authorities to deter illegal maritime migration, many Cubans continue to risk their lives to cross the Florida Strait in precarious vessels.
The lack of legal options to leave the country, which is mired in a deep, widespread crisis, continues to push many to seek a new life in the United States.
In June alone, 17,563 Cubans entered the U.S. through its borders, according to data from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Of that total, 6,216 did so by sea, confirming that the influx of Cuban rafters to the United States remains significant.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Migration to the U.S.
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the ongoing issue of Cuban migration to the United States, especially focusing on those arriving by sea.
What happens to Cuban migrants detained by U.S. authorities?
Cuban migrants detained by U.S. authorities are placed under federal custody and processed for expulsion. They are handled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and are generally sent back to Cuba, with a five-year ban on re-entering the U.S. legally.
Why do many Cubans risk their lives to migrate by sea?
Many Cubans risk their lives to migrate by sea due to the lack of legal options to leave the country, which is experiencing a deep and widespread crisis. They seek a new life in the United States despite the dangers involved in crossing the Florida Strait in precarious vessels.
How many Cuban migrants entered the U.S. in June?
In June, 17,563 Cuban migrants entered the U.S. through its borders, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data. Of that total, 6,216 arrived by sea.