A total of 18 Cuban migrants, including five women and thirteen men, made their way to the shores near Key West International Airport on Sunday night, as reported by local authorities. The Key West police initially apprehended six migrants on South Roosevelt Boulevard and subsequently located the rest.
Jeffrey Dinise, Chief Patrol Agent for the U.S. Border Patrol's Miami Sector, confirmed the arrest of the migrants through a message on platform X (formerly Twitter). "On Sunday night, Border Patrol agents apprehended 18 Cuban migrants who made landfall in #KeyWest, Florida, aboard a homemade vessel," he stated in the brief announcement.
He further emphasized that "illegal maritime migration to the U.S. in homemade vessels has resulted in severe injuries and fatalities. Migrants should avoid these dangerous sea journeys and seek entry to the U.S. through safe and legal means."
Among the migrants, two individuals were taken to Lower Keys Medical Center due to severe dehydration and loss of sensation in their limbs. The rest were handed over to the Border Patrol for an assessment of their immigration status, as reported by Local 10.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has secured the vessel used in the journey. This event is part of a growing wave of Cuban migrants arriving on Florida's shores, driven by the island's economic, social, and political crises.
In a recent incident, ten Cuban rafters landed on Florida's shores and now face deportation proceedings. U.S. authorities have heightened surveillance and rescue operations in the area, stressing the risks associated with these maritime journeys and the importance of pursuing legal pathways for migration.
Dangers and Legalities of Cuban Migration to Florida
What are the main risks for Cuban migrants attempting to reach Florida by sea?
Cuban migrants face severe risks such as dehydration, injury, and even death when attempting to reach Florida by sea in homemade vessels. These journeys are perilous due to the harsh conditions and lack of adequate safety measures.
Why are Cuban migrants increasingly attempting to reach Florida?
The increase in Cuban migrants attempting to reach Florida is largely driven by the severe economic, social, and political crises in Cuba. These factors are pushing individuals to seek better opportunities and safety in the United States.
What actions are U.S. authorities taking in response to the influx of Cuban migrants?
U.S. authorities have intensified their surveillance and rescue operations in response to the growing number of Cuban migrants. They are also emphasizing the dangers of illegal sea crossings and encouraging migrants to use legal and safe channels for migration.