MIAMI, United States. — The United States Coast Guard (USCG) repatriated this Saturday 90 Cuban migrants who had been intercepted between Wednesday and Thursday in the Florida Keys.
A release released by that federal agency reported that the migrants were returned to the island by the crew of the Raymond Evans coast guard, one of the vessels that has carried out the most deportations in recent months.
The Cubans repatriated last Saturday had been intercepted in different operations carried out at points near Key West, Saddlebunch Keys, Marquesas Keys and Vibora Key.
As is customary, the Coast Guard said all intercepted migrants received food, water, shelter and basic medical care before being deported.
Lt. Paul Puddington of the 7th Coast Guard District warned that migrants intercepted in US jurisdictional waters will be taken into federal custody and returned to their respective countries of origin.
“The Coast Guard maintains a strong maritime presence to detect and intercept anyone attempting to illegally migrate by sea in the Florida Straits and the Caribbean region,” Puddington stated.
The officer also maintained that sea crossings in the Straits of Florida imply a high danger for migrants.
“These trips are not only illegal, but also incredibly dangerous. No one should risk their lives on rough and unsafe boats in unpredictable seas.”
Since October 1, 2021 —the beginning of the fiscal year in the United States— Coast Guard crews have intercepted 4,614 Cubans who have tried to arrive illegally on US territory, the highest figure recorded since fiscal year 2016, when 5,396 Cubans were detained.
Receive information from CubaNet on your cell phone through WhatsApp. Send us a message with the word “CUBA” on the phone +1 (786) 316-2072, You can also subscribe to our electronic newsletter by giving click here.
