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Press Release | Feb. 24, 2023

Coast Guard repatriates 38 people to Cuba

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.

MIAMI — Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr.'s crew repatriated 38 people to Cuba, Friday, following interdictions off Florida's coast.

A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew alerted Sector Key West watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Monday, at approximately 2:45 p.m., about 25 miles west of Cay Sal Bank. 

Coast Guard Cutter James' crew alerted District Seven watchstanders of a migrant vessel, Tuesday, at approximately noon, about 20 miles north of Cayo Fragoso, Cuba. 

"Don't take to the sea," said Lt. Peter Hutchison, Coast Guard District Seven. "The risk for loss of life is too great."

Since Oct. 1, 2022, Coast Guard crews interdicted 5,740 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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