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A group of 18 Cuban migrants, including five women and thirteen men, arrived at the shores near Key West International Airport on Sunday night, according to local authorities.
The Key West police responded to the landing on South Roosevelt Boulevard, initially detaining six migrants and later locating the others.
Jeffrey Dinise, Chief Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector, confirmed the arrest of the migrants in a message on the X platform (formerly Twitter).
"On Sunday night, Border Patrol agents arrested 18 Cuban immigrants who arrived onshore in Key West, Florida, on a homemade vessel," the brief statement said.
He also stressed that “illegal migration to the U.S. in homemade boats has resulted in serious injuries and deaths. Migrants should avoid maritime migration and seek entry to the U.S. through safe and legal channels.”
Of the migrants, two were taken to the Lower Keys Medical Center due to severe dehydration and loss of sensation in their extremities.
The others were handed over to the Border Patrol for an assessment of their immigration status, Local 10 reported.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has seized the vessel used in the trip.
This incident occurs amid an increase in the arrival of Cuban migrants on the shores of Florida, driven by the economic, social, and political crisis on the island.
In a recent case, ten Cuban raftsmen reached the shores of Florida and are now facing deportation proceedings.
U.S. authorities have ramped up surveillance and rescue operations in the region, reiterating the dangers associated with these maritime journeys and the importance of seeking legal pathways for migration.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Migration of Cubans to the United States
What happened to the 18 Cuban migrants who arrived in Key West?
The 18 Cuban migrants were arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents after arriving in Key West on a homemade boat. Two of them were hospitalized due to severe dehydration and loss of sensation in their extremities.
What are the risks of maritime migration from Cuba?
Maritime migration from Cuba is extremely dangerous due to the precarious conditions of the boats and the harshness of the sea. In 2024, at least 142 Cuban rafters have lost their lives while attempting to reach the U.S. shores.
Why do Cubans continue to risk their lives on maritime journeys?
The economic crisis and lack of opportunities in Cuba drive many citizens to seek a better future, despite the risks and restrictive immigration policies. Desperation and the absence of legal options to leave the country are key factors that motivate Cubans to undertake dangerous maritime journeys.
What measures are U.S. authorities taking to control illegal migration by sea?
U.S. authorities have intensified surveillance and rescue operations in the region, reiterating the dangers associated with these maritime journeys and the importance of seeking legal pathways for migration. Additionally, intercepted migrants are processed for repatriation and are prohibited from legally reentering the U.S. for five years.
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