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Press Release | Dec. 22, 2023

Coast Guard repatriates 45 migrants to Cuba

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

Family members in the United States inquiring about possible family members interdicted at sea, please contact your local 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 su representante gubernamental local.


MIAMI — Coast Guard Cutter Charles David Jr.’s crew repatriated 45 migrants to Cuba, Friday, following an interdiction off Islamorada. 

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew notified Coast Guard Sector District Seven watchstanders of a migrant voyage at approximately 1 p.m., Dec. 11, about 40 miles southeast of Islamorada. 

“The Coast Guard and our Homeland Security Task Force Southeast partners will continue to patrol the Florida Straits, Windward and Mona passages throughout the holiday season to deter and interdict unlawful maritime migration attempts,” said Lt. Cmdr. John W. Beal, Coast Guard District Seven public affairs officer. “Anyone attempting to unlawfully immigrate to the United States by sea will be repatriated to their country of origin or departure. Do not take to the sea; use safe and lawful pathways.” 

Coast Guard crews repatriated 125 migrants to Cuba in fiscal year 2024, which began on Oct. 1, 2023.  

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:  

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-USCG-