THE CARIBBEAN

40 MIGRANTS RETURNED TO CUBA AFTER U.S. INTERCEPTS TWO VESSELS

40 MIGRANTS RETURNED TO CUBA AFTER U.S. INTERCEPTS TWO VESSELS
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Avellon Williams 

HAVANA, CUBA- During an operation near Florida last week, the Coast Guard intercepted two vessels carrying 40 people and referred them to Cuba. Two people were being investigated for human smuggling during the operation.

On January 23 and 25, the vessels were seen near the Florida Keys. Officials with Homeland Security Investigations have been entrusted with the case of two suspected smugglers, according to a Coast Guard statement.

/Courtesy/

People who enter the country illegally by using smugglers risk the safety of their lives,” said Lieutenant Commander,  MarkCobb of the Coast Guard.

“Despite their ruthless methods, migrant smugglers only care about profit.”

Cuba’s economy has been hurt by U.S. sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have reduced international tourism.

Since October 1, the Coast Guard reported that 690 Cubans have been intercepted, compared with 838 in the 12 months that ended on September 30.

Despite an economic downturn and a spike in gang-related kidnappings since Jovenel Moise’s assassination in July, Haitian boat migration is on the rise.

Photo of pinned Port-Au-Prince on a map of North America. May be used as illustration for traveling theme /Courtesy/

Last Thursday, the Coast Guard reported intercepting a sailing vessel carrying 191 Haitians.

In addition, it halted the search for 34 people who disappeared after a boat carrying 40 people capsized off Florida’s coast. U.S. authorities have not released the nationalities of those on board.

One survivor was found among the five bodies recovered. The Colombian foreign ministry said it would assist the survivor, Juan Montoya, a citizen who was taken into custody by immigration authorities for treatment at a Miami hospital. Sadly, his sister, Maria Montoya, died in the accident.

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Avellon Williams

“Map and flag of Cuba. Source: “”World reference atlas”””