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Press Release | Jan. 25, 2023

Imagery Available: Coast Guard repatriates 69 people to Cuba

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater C-130 aircrew alerted Sector Key West of a wooden vessel 25 miles south of Sugarloaf Key, Florida, Jan. 23, 2023. The people were repatriated on Jan. 25, 2023. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

 Editor's Note: Click on image to download high-resolution version.

To download Cuban interdiction process video, click this link.

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.

MIAMI — Coast Guard Cutter Pablo Valent's crews repatriated 69 people to Cuba, Wednesday, following interdictions off Florida's coast.

A good Samaritan notified Sector Key West watchstanders of a sailing vessel, Sunday, at approximately 2:10 p.m., about 5 miles southeast of John Pennekamp Park.

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater C-130 law enforcement aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a wooden vessel, Sunday, at approximately 7:45 p.m., about 25 miles south of Sugar Loaf Key.

A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Monday, at approximately 9:06 p.m., about 18 miles north of Matanzas, Cuba.

“Illegally migrating to the U.S. is treacherous, and you may lose your life in the transit," said Lt. Matt Miller, Coast Guard District Seven. "Use safe and legal means available to come to the United States."

Since Oct. 1, 2022, Coast Guard crews interdicted 5,321 Cubans compared to: 

  • 6,182 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2022
  • 838 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2021
  • 49 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2020
  • 313 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2019
  • 259 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2018
  • 1,468 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2017
  • 5,396 Cuban Migrants in Fiscal Year 2016

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter and basic medical attention. 

For more information about newly announced immigration programs:

Fact Sheet: Biden/Harris Administration announces new border enforcement actions

Secretary Mayorkas Delivers Remarks on DHS's Continued Preparation for the End of Title 42 and Announcement of New Border Enforcement Measures and Additional Safe and Orderly Processes

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans

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