Coast Guard crews repatriate 907 migrants to Cuba, Haiti, stop additional 239 migrants at sea

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 01/13/2023 09:05 PM EST

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 crews repatriate 907 migrants to Cuba, Haiti, stop additional 239 migrants at sea

Don't take to the seas graphic. Make shift vessels are unsafe and unseaworthy, weather can change quickly and you could love your life. (U.S. Coast Guard graphic by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jose Hernandez) This graphic gives a few deterrent messages for migrants taking to the sea, mariner responsibility message, and information on who family's should call regarding their family member interdicted by the Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard graphic by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jose Hernandez) This graphic gives a few deterrent messages for migrants taking to the sea, mariner responsibility message, and information on who family's should call regarding their family member interdicted by the Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard graphic by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jose Hernandez)

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

MIAMI — Coast Guard crews patrolling the Florida Straits, Windward and Mona Passes prevented hundreds of illegal migrants from reaching the United States by sea from Jan. 6-13.

This past week, Coast Guard cutter crews repatriated 824 Cubans to Matanzas and Cabanas, Cuba, and 83 Haitians to Cap Haitien, Haiti.

A Coast Guard crew rescued 17 Cuban migrants stranded on Elbow Cay, Bahamas and transferred them to Royal Bahamian Defense Force authorities for removal at the request of the Bahamian government.

Coast Guard cutter and station crews interdicted 13 illegal ventures preventing 239 migrants from landing on U.S. shores. Migrants interdicted at sea were transferred to Coast Guard cutters, where they were provided humanitarian care including food, water, shelter and any basic medical attention they needed. Migrants without a legal basis to enter the United States are repatriated to their country of origin or departure.

“We urge anyone considering attempting the always dangerous and very often deadly illegal maritime migration routes to not risk their lives by taking to the sea,” said Rear Adm. Brendan McPherson, commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District and director of Homeland Security Task Force - Southeast. “Our HSTF-SE crews will rescue and repatriate anyone trying to enter the United States illegally by sea. Southeast maritime border incursions will result in your removal and ineligibility for legal
immigration options.”

The White House and Department of Homeland Security recently announced new, legal pathways for those wishing to come to the United States. Cubans and Haitians who enter by sea will be placed in removal proceedings and will be ineligible for the parole process as a result.

For more information about newly announced immigration programs:

Fact Sheet: Biden/Harris Administration announces new border enforcement actions

Secretary Mayorkas Delivers Remarks on DHS's Continued Preparation for the End of Title 42 and Announcement of New Border Enforcement Measures and Additional Safe and Orderly Processes

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans

Family members in the United States inquiring about possible family members interdicted at sea, please contact your local federal U.S. representative. 

Para personas que residen en los EE.UU. buscando información sobre un familiar posiblemente interceptado por la Guardia Costera, por favor comuníquese con la oficina de su congresista o representante del Senado, local. 

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