Coast Guard repatriates 20 migrants to Cuba

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 08/22/2020 12:55 PM EDT

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast
Contact: 7th District Public Affairs
Office: 305-415-6683
After Hours: 305-202-3735
7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard repatriates 20 migrants to Cuba

This is a photo of the boat the migrants traveled on from Cuba to the United States, when Coast Guard law enforcement crews interdicted it off the coast of Marathon, Florida, Aug.19, 2020. The Coast Guard has interdicted approximately 140 Cuban migrants who have attempted to illegally enter the U.S via the maritime environment in fiscal year 2020, which began Oct. 1, 2019, compared to 482 Cuban migrants in fiscal year 2019. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) The Coast Guard Cutter Resolute's law enforcement team stop migrants off the coast of Marathon, Florida Aug. 19, 2020. The Coast Guard has interdicted approximately 140 Cuban migrants who have attempted to illegally enter the U.S via the maritime environment in fiscal year 2020, which began Oct. 1, 2019, compared to 482 Cuban migrants in fiscal year 2019. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Editor's Note: Click on images to download high-resolution version.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard repatriated 20 Cuban migrants after law enforcement teams stopped two illegal voyages off the Florida Keys.

Coast Guard Station Islamorada and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operation teams interdicted a 27-foot cabin cruiser Tuesday after a CBP aircraft spotted the boat about 19 miles south of Long Key.

Two of the migrants were transferred ashore to Homeland Security Investigation agents and 11 transferred to Coast Guard Cutter Charles David, Jr. and were repatriated to Cabanas, Cuba.

In the other illegal voyage, a Coast Guard Cutter Resolute law enforcement team interdicted a 27-foot row boat Wednesday about 43 miles off Marathon.

Nine of the migrants were transferred to Coast Guard Cutter Charles David, Jr. and were repatriated to Cabanas, Cuba.

"Attempting to smuggle yourself into the country via the maritime environment is both extremely dangerous and illegal," said Lt. Charles Sanderson, chief of enforcement, Sector Key West. "With the consistent danger these ventures present, our crews and partner agencies remain persistently vigilant to protect lives and enforce federal laws.”

The Coast Guard has interdicted approximately 140 Cuban migrants who have attempted to illegally enter the U.S via the maritime environment in fiscal year 2020, which began Oct. 1, 2019, compared to 482 Cuban migrants in fiscal year 2019. These numbers represent the total number of at-sea interdictions, landings and disruptions in the Florida Straits, the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean.

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention. Throughout the interdiction Coast Guard crewmembers were equipped with personal protective equipment to minimize potential exposure to any possible case of COVID-19. 

For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

-USCG-