The United States Coast Guard (USCG) rescued 20 abandoned Cuban immigrants on an uninhabited cays in the Bahamas and handed them over to the authorities of that country on Tuesday.
The crew of the Coast Guard vessel Margaret Norvell transferred 20 individuals to the Bahamas on June 10, after they were rescued at Anguilla Cay last Friday, according to an official statement posted on the USCG website.
Agents from the National Security Investigations Office in Miami notified the Seventh District Coast Guard on Friday about the presence of a possible group of stranded foreigners on Anguilla Cay.
According to the information, a crew from Air and Marine Operations of the Customs and Border Protection Office located the Cubans stranded on the uninhabited island, while food, water, and a radio were dropped to them from the Ocean Sentry HC-144 of the Miami Coast Guard Air Station to establish communication.
After the Bahamian authorities requested the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard to rescue the group, the crew of the Coast Guard cutter Walnut arrived at the caye and took the immigrants on board, who are now awaiting the authorities' decision.
The statement emphasized that, "once on board a Coast Guard vessel, immigrants are processed to determine their identity and are provided with food, water, shelter, and basic medical care before being repatriated to their country of origin or returned to the country from which they departed."
The USCG did not provide details about the identities and composition of the group of migrants, although the photos released by the agency show the presence of women and children among those rescued.
The authorities have not specified on what date they left Cuba; how they arrived in Anguilla Cay, whether on a makeshift boat or transported by smugglers; the circumstances that led them to be stranded and the duration of their stay on the islet.
Lieutenant Fernando Pla, duty officer of the Seventh District of the Coast Guard, emphasized that the agency continues to work daily with its state, federal, and international partners "to stop illegal maritime migration and to prevent unnecessary loss of life at sea" and warned that "anyone attempting to enter the United States illegally by sea will be intercepted and repatriated to their country of origin or departure."
Cuban migrants who are transferred to the Bahamas are held for a period of time in that country until their deportation to Cuba.
After the implementation of a more stringent immigration policy in the U.S. by the administration of President Donald Trump, illegal border crossings have significantly decreased, including those made by sea, although there are still people who attempt it despite deportation warnings.
According to data from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in recent months the illegal migration of Cubans to the U.S. has seen a drastic decline, highlighting the impact that Trump's new policies have had on the behavior of those seeking to leave Cuba amid the acute economic and social crisis in the country.
In March, only 132 unauthorized entries were recorded, and in April, the numbers returned to extremely low levels, with 130 irregular entries, both through land borders and by sea.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Irregular Migration of Cuban Rafters and the Intervention of the U.S. Coast Guard.
How does the U.S. Coast Guard respond to the illegal maritime migration of Cubans?
The U.S. Coast Guard conducts interception operations to address the illegal maritime migration of Cubans. These actions include transferring migrants to the authorities in the Bahamas or their repatriation to Cuba, depending on the case. The USCG collaborates with other security agencies to deter dangerous maritime voyages.
What risks do Cuban rafters face when trying to reach the U.S.?
Cuban rafters face severe risks when attempting to reach the U.S. by sea, such as dehydration, exhaustion, capsizing, and, in many cases, death. The vessels are often makeshift, and sea conditions are unpredictable, which heightens the danger of these journeys.
What is the U.S. government's stance on the illegal migration of Cubans?
The U.S. government holds a firm stance against irregular migration from Cubans, emphasizing that those who cross illegally will be swiftly expelled. U.S. authorities urge migrants to use legal pathways and warn of the risk of repatriation.
Why do Cuban migrants attempt to reach the U.S. despite the risks?
Cuban migrants seek to escape the misery and repression they face in Cuba, driven by the lack of opportunities and the economic crisis on the island. Despite the risks, many view these journeys as their only hope for a better future.
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