The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) recently provided insights into their search operations for migrant rafts in the Florida Straits. A segment by Voice of America took viewers aboard one of the USCG's surveillance planes, showcasing the daily patrols of the waters between Cuba and South Florida as they search for immigrants attempting to enter the United States illegally.
The Coast Guard explained that they are on the lookout for unsafe vessels packed with migrants trying to reach U.S. shores via perilous waters. The Florida Straits, at its narrowest point, spans 150 km wide and plunges to a depth of 1,800 meters. "We believe they are in small boats in dangerous waters, and we need to ensure they are safe," stated Lieutenant E.J. Cunningham. He elaborated that they search for unique profiles that differ from cruise ships or recreational vessels, specifically targeting what appear to be very rustic boats. Specialized radars and night-vision infrared sensors aid in detecting these vessels.
Blaine Willis, an electrical technician with the USCG, shared some of their patrol anecdotes: "We once encountered a vessel that was just a heap of wooden planks tied together with ropes and some barrels. On another occasion, we found a two-person raft outside Cuban territorial waters with a weed whacker engine as a makeshift motor," he recounted.
Robert Depe, a maintenance technician, added, "Sometimes the passengers give themselves away. They try to avoid us, cover themselves with a tarp, crouch down, and hide. Other times, they just sit there, sometimes waving to signal us: 'Hey, here we are, you can see us.'" The aircraft then directs Coast Guard ships to the exact location, and the boat brings the individuals aboard. Each migrant is provided a blanket, the USCG emphasized.
Lieutenant Samuel Krakower, Commander of the Raymond Evans, described a particularly intense night: "Our deck hosted over a hundred Cubans for several days until they were processed. Most were returned to Cuba. It was an exhausting night, but many of those vessels were at risk of sinking, offering us an opportunity to rescue them," he noted. The report also mentioned that the USCG patrols the Florida Straits for Haitian vessels, which carry more people. "They can be loaded with over 94 people, far more than the 20 or 30 you might see on a Cuban raft," Krakower added.
According to the report, the last fiscal year saw the repatriation of 1,800 Haitians and over 6,600 Cubans. The Cuban migration crisis continues unabated. On June 25, seven rafters were repatriated after being detained off the Florida coast, and on July 1, a group of 15 Cubans was detained after landing in Key West. However, the number of encounters is significantly lower than in 2022, when the USCG could spot up to four vessels in a five-hour flight. Newsy journalist Ben Schamisso accompanied two USCG pilots on a routine flight, witnessing firsthand the economic, social, and political crises affecting Cuba and Haiti.
Understanding U.S. Coast Guard Patrols in the Florida Straits
Here, we address some common questions about the USCG's patrol operations in the Florida Straits, focusing on their mission, challenges, and outcomes.
What is the primary mission of the USCG in the Florida Straits?
The primary mission of the USCG in the Florida Straits is to detect and interdict unsafe vessels carrying migrants attempting to enter the United States illegally, ensuring their safety and processing them according to U.S. immigration laws.
What technologies does the USCG use to detect migrant vessels?
The USCG uses specialized radars and night-vision infrared sensors to detect migrant vessels in the Florida Straits. These technologies help identify unique profiles that differ from typical recreational or commercial vessels, focusing on rustic and makeshift boats.
How has the number of migrant encounters changed recently?
The number of migrant encounters has decreased compared to 2022. Previously, the USCG could find up to four vessels in a five-hour flight, whereas current numbers are significantly lower.