MIAMI – The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark repatriated 23 migrants to Cuba, Tuesday, following two separate interdictions of unlawful migrant ventures near Key West, Florida.
The first of the two interdictions occurred Friday morning when watchstanders at Sector Key West received notification of a migrant venture 12 miles south of Marquesas. Boat crews from Coast Guard Station Key West arrived on scene and embarked 15 migrants before transferring them to the cutter Paul Clark. The second interdiction occurred Sunday afternoon when Sector Key West watchstanders received a report from a good Samaritan of a migrant voyage 26 miles south of Marathon. The Coast Guard Cutter Valiant arrived on scene and interdicted the eight migrants and transferred them to the cutter Paul Clark.
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. by sea.
“Under Title 8, migrants who arrive without authorization will be repatriated and deemed ineligible for legal immigration pathways,” said Lt. j.g. Nicholas Fujimoto, Coast Guard Seventh District Enforcement Branch. “Do not risk your life only to be sent back. Don't take to the sea."
Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants receive food, water, shelter, and basic medical attention.
For more information, follow these links to Department of Homeland Security fact sheets:
For breaking news, follow us on Twitter. For additional information, find us on Facebook and Instagram.
-USCG-