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The United States Coast Guard initiated an immediate deployment of naval assets at the maritime border with Cuba on Tuesday, in response to the executive orders issued by the White House under the new administration of Donald Trump.
This movement, which according to the USCG aims to enhance security in the waters near the island and other key areas, is part of the new leader's promises to curb irregular migration and drug trafficking in the international waters bordering the U.S.
Admiral Kevin Lunday, the acting commander of the Coast Guard, reported in a statement that the agency "is the most important maritime security agency in the world, vital for protecting the maritime borders of America, its territorial integrity, and sovereignty."
"According to the president's executive orders, I have instructed my operational commanders to immediately deploy assets—cutters, aircraft, vessels, and deployable specialized forces—to increase the presence of the Coast Guard, focusing on key areas," he stated.
The specific areas of attention include the southeast border of the U.S., extending into Florida, in order to deter and prevent mass migration from Haiti and Cuba.
The maritime boundary around Alaska, Hawai’i, and the U.S. territories, including Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Also the maritime border between the Bahamas and southern Florida and the southwestern maritime border between the U.S. and Mexico in the Pacific.
And the maritime border between Texas and Mexico in the Gulf of Mexico.
Lunday added that these efforts are being carried out in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense of the U.S. with the aim of detecting, deterring, and disrupting illegal migration, drug trafficking, and other terrorist or hostile activities before they reach our borders.
This deployment comes as part of a broader set of measures announced by the Trump administration to tighten border control.
The new acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Benjamine Huffman, also confirmed this Tuesday the start of a new phase of raids against undocumented migrants, focusing on those with criminal records.
The new policies include the reversal of the Biden administration's guidelines, which restricted immigration law enforcement in sensitive areas such as schools and churches, as well as the cancellation of the humanitarian parole program, which had allowed the temporary entry of over 1.5 million migrants from countries like Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and Nicaragua.
The humanitarian parole program will be replaced by a case-by-case evaluation, which could further hinder legal access to the country for thousands of migrants.
Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Coast Guard's Intervention in Irregular Migration from Cuba
Why is the U.S. Coast Guard increasing its presence at the maritime border with Cuba?
The U.S. Coast Guard is increasing its presence at the maritime border with Cuba as part of the executive orders of the Donald Trump administration, aimed at reinforcing security and curbing irregular migration and drug trafficking in the international waters near the U.S.
What is the purpose of deploying naval assets near Cuba?
The deployment of naval assets near Cuba aims primarily to deter and prevent mass migration from Haiti and Cuba, as well as to intercept drug trafficking activities and other threats before they reach the borders of the U.S.
How does the new U.S. immigration policy affect Cuban migrants?
The new immigration policy of the U.S. significantly affects Cuban migrants, as it entails a revocation of the guidelines that limited the enforcement of immigration law in sensitive areas and the cancellation of the humanitarian parole program. Now, cases will be evaluated individually, which could complicate legal access to the country.
What measures is the U.S. taking to prevent irregular migration by sea?
The U.S. is taking significant measures to prevent irregular maritime migration, including the deployment of cutters, aircraft, and specialized vessels by the Coast Guard, as well as coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense to intercept and deter attempts at illegal migration.
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