MIAMI – The crew of the Sentinel-class Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr. (WPC 1107) repatriated 27 migrants to Cuba, Friday, following the interdiction of an irregular, unlawful migration voyage, approximately 23 miles south of the Dry Tortugas.
The Coast Guard and its Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast partners will continue to patrol by land, air and sea to rescue and repatriate anyone attempting to enter the U.S. unlawfully by sea.
A good Samaritan notified Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders of a rustic vessel making way with 27 people, Tuesday. The good Samaritan stayed on scene until law enforcement crews from Station Key West and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations arrived. The Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr. crew embarked the migrants for repatriation to Cuba.
“Our number one priority is to prevent unnecessary loss of life at sea and these irregular maritime migration attempts come at great risk,” said Lt. Marisa Kraiss, Coast Guard District Seven enforcement officer. “Don’t risk your life just to be sent back. Use safe, orderly and lawful pathways to come to the United States. Those who attempt to bypass lawful pathways may be disqualified from future opportunities to enter the U.S., and may be presumed ineligible for asylum, subject to a five-year bar on future admission, and potentially face criminal prosecution. Don’t take to the sea.”
Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, migrants are processed to determine their identity and are provided food, water, shelter, and basic medical attention before repatriation to their country of origin or return to the country from which they departed.
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