Coast Guard repatriates 58 people to Cuba

The Coast Guard repatriates 58 people to Cuba

Coast Guard crew members from Station Islamorada interdict a rustic vessel approximately 20 miles southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key, Florida, July 23, 2023. The 20 people aboard the vessel were repatriated back to Cuba on July 28, 2023. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

MIAMI – Coast Guard crews repatriated 58 people to Cuba, Friday, following three separate migrant vessel interdictions originating from Cuba in the past week.   

The Coast Guard and its Homeland Security Task Force - Southeast partners will continue to be a presence in the air and on the waters to detect and deter migrants from attempting to unlawfully enter the U.S. via maritime domain.  

“The Coast Guard remains steadfast in its mission to rescue and repatriate migrants, ensuring their safe return to their country of origin,” said Lt. j.g Nicholas Fujimoto, District Enforcement Response Law Enforcement Officer. “Our U.S. maritime borders are not open for unlawful migration - you could be risking your life.” 

Since Oct. 1, 2022, Coast Guard crews interdicted or encountered 6,897 Cuban migrants. Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter, and basic medical attention.   

For more information, follow these links:  

• DHS and DOJ Finalize Rule to Incentivize Use of Lawful Immigration Pathways | Homeland Security  

• Fact Sheet: Additional Sweeping Measures to Humanely Manage Border | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)  

• Fact Sheet: U.S. Government Announces Sweeping New Actions to Manage Regional Migration | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)  

• Federal Register :: Implementation of a Change to the Parole Process for Cubans  

• Federal Register :: Implementation of a Change to the Parole Process for Haitians  

• USCIS Updates Review Process for the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans

Editor’s Note:  
To download Cuban interdiction process video, click this link.   
All Coast Guard Southeast imagery can be found on Dvids, here.    
All Coast Guard migration imagery can be found on Dvids, here.   
Family members in the United States inquiring about possible family members interdicted at sea, please contact your local federal U.S. representative.   
Para personas que residen en los EE.UU. buscando información sobre un familiar posiblemente interceptado por la Guardia Costera, por favor comuníquese con la oficina de su congresista o representante del Senado, local.   

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-USCG-