U.S. Coast Guard Cutter William Flores’ crew repatriated 56 migrants to Cuba, following multiple interdictions off the Florida Keys.
Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations crews interdicted three separate unlawful migrant voyages off Florida’s coast and in the Florida Straits from Dec. 26, 2023 through Dec. 29, 2023.
“As we enter the new year, the Coast Guard and our Homeland Security Task Force-Southeast partners remain committed to patrolling the Florida Straits, Windward and Mona Passages to prevent and deter unlawful entry into the U.S. by sea,” said Lt. Cmdr. John W. Beal, Coast Guard District Seven public affairs officer and HSTF-SE public information officer. “Migrants attempting to circumvent lawful pathways to enter the United States by sea will be rescued and repatriated to their country of origin or departure. Do not take to the sea.”
Coast Guard crews repatriated 235 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.
