The U.S. returns 34 detained Cuban rafters at sea.

The U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 34 migrants to Cuba this Friday after an interception near Marathon.

According to the information, at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, the crew of the Cutter Sycamore alerted observers from the Key West Sector about a migrant vessel located approximately 34 miles southeast of Boot Key.

Marathon Station teams intercepted the vessel and transferred the migrants to the Cutter Charles David Jr. for their repatriation.

The Coast Guard warned in a statement that its Southeast National Security Task Force, along with its federal, state, and local partners, will continue patrolling by land, air, and sea to rescue and repatriate anyone attempting to illegally enter the U.S. by sea.

"Illegally emigrating to the U.S. in an overloaded, makeshift vessel is extremely dangerous and puts you and your loved ones at risk," said Lieutenant Thomas Pease, enforcement officer for the Seventh District of the Coast Guard.

"The Coast Guard's highest priority is to prevent the tragic loss of life at sea," the publication explains.