The United States returns 18 rafters detained in three interceptions in the Florida Strait.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) reported that this Thursday it repatriated to Cuba 18 immigrants who were detained at sea.

The entity details that the rafters were detained "following three interceptions of trips by illegal and irregular immigrants in the Florida Straits."

Just a week ago, the USCG also repatriated to Cuba 31 rafters who were trying to reach the United States on various boats, which were intercepted in the same area.

Lieutenant Commander Juan Ramírez, prosecutor of the Seventh District of the Coast Guard, then stated that his "top priority is to prevent the tragic loss of lives at sea," while emphasizing that "safe, orderly, and legal migration is best for the United States and our partner countries in the Caribbean."

The U.S. government continues to insist that all individuals who attempt to or arrive illegally by sea will not be allowed to remain in the country, will be processed in accordance with U.S. laws and policies, and returned to their country of origin or to the point of departure.

The exodus of Cuban migrants, primarily heading to the United States, whether by sea or land, shows no signs of coming to an end.

In April, 17,870 Cubans arrived by sea and land in the northern country, according to statistics from the Department of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Currently, seven rafters who arrived in Grand Cayman a week ago are missing after deciding to continue their journey towards the United States.