The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) repatriated 27 migrants to Cuba on Friday, after intercepting an irregular migration journey approximately 23 miles south of Dry Tortugas.
According to a statement from the entity, on Tuesday a navigator notified the watchers of the Key West sector of the Coast Guard about a rustic vessel carrying 27 people.
The person stayed in the area until the crews from the Key West Station and the Air and Marine Operations of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrived, which helped the migrants board a USCG vessel.
This Friday, they were handed over to the Cuban authorities, while the USCG assured that it continues to patrol by land, air, and sea the southern Florida coast to rescue and repatriate anyone attempting to enter the United States illegally.
"Our main priority is to prevent unnecessary loss of life at sea, and these attempts at irregular maritime migration carry a great risk," stated Lieutenant Marisa Kraiss, compliance officer for the Seventh District of the Coast Guard.
He urged the rafters not to risk "their lives just to be sent back," and reminded them that there are "safe, orderly, and legal ways to come to the United States."
The day before, another group of 54 irregular migrants was returned to Cuba from the United States on a flight that landed at José Martí International Airport.
According to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), the group consisted of 40 men and 14 women. Most of these individuals had legally left Cuba, but then they joined irregular routes to reach the U.S. border.
The Ministry of the Interior indicated that these repatriation actions are part of the efforts between Cuba and the United States to address irregular migration and the crimes associated with it.
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