Immigration
Ten Cuban rafters who survived journey to Florida coast now face deportation
The maritime route that Cubans follow to the United States has claimed the lives of 142 people, including deaths and missing persons, so far in 2024
December 23, 2024 12:17pm
Updated: December 26, 2024 9:02am
Ten Cubans who arrived in a group on Sunday on Smathers Beach in Key West, Florida, were detained and now face deportation proceedings, authorities reported.
Jeffrey Dinise, chief agent of the U.S. Customs Border Protection Miami sector, reported on the case through an official statement on his X account.
“Today, U.S. Border Patrol agents, along with partner agencies, responded to a migrant landing at Smathers Beach and encountered 10 Cuban migrants who arrived in a homemade boat. “Migrants will be processed for deportation proceedings,” Dinise wrote.
Key West, FL; Earlier today, U.S. Border Patrol agents along with partner agencies responded to a migrant landing on Smathers Beach & encountered 10 Cuban migrants who arrived on a homemade vessel. The migrants will be processed for removal proceedings.#cuba #keywest #usbp pic.twitter.com/tx29MdG3e3
— Jeffrey Dinise (@USBPChiefMIP) December 22, 2024
The maritime route that Cubans follow to the United States has claimed the lives of 142 people, including dead and missing, so far in 2024, according to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
U.S. authorities have intensified operations to intercept and repatriate Cuban migrants. So far, this year more than 1,300 Cuban migrants in an irregular situation have been repatriated from various countries in the region.
The United States Coast Guard has warned on multiple occasions about the dangers of illegal maritime migration and has urged the use of legal avenues for immigration.
