United States returns 12 Cuban migrants intercepted by the Coast Guard

The interdictions took place in two separate operations, according to the entity's statement.

La Guardia Costera de Estados Unidos repatrió este miércoles a 12 migrantes cubanos que intentaban llegar a Florida en embarcaciones rústicas.

The first group of migrants was detected on January 19th, when a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) air team alerted the Coast Guard about a raft 21 miles south of Long Key. Immediately, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr. was dispatched to the area to intercept them.

One day later, on January 20th, another seven migrants were rescued in the Yucatán Passage. About 50 miles southwest of Cuba, when their boat drifted away.

New warning from the U.S. government.

El teniente comandante John W. Beal, portavoz del Distrito Siete de la Guardia Costera, aseguró que las autoridades han reforzado su presencia en el estrecho de Florida y los Pasajes de Windward y Mona para evitar la llegada de migrantes por mar.

Desde el pasado 23 de enero, el nuevo gobierno de Estados Unidos ha reiterado que todos los migrantes que sean interceptados en el mar serán deportados. A través de un comunicado, el jefe de la Patrulla Fronteriza del Sector de Miami, Jeffrey Dinise, recalcó que quienes intenten entrar ilegalmente al país por vía marítima serán devueltos a su lugar de origen o al último país desde donde partieron.

The migration crisis and the risk at sea

Despite the tightening of immigration policies, attempts to reach the US by sea continue. The economic crisis in Cuba continues to push many people to risk their lives on dangerous journeys aboard makeshift vessels.

U.S. authorities have reiterated that illegal migration across the Florida Strait is extremely risky. The currents, lack of provisions, and the fragility of the rafts endanger the lives of those undertaking the journey.