A tip-off led to the arrest of several individuals over the weekend near Juan Francisco beach in Camajuaní, Villa Clara. The events unfolded in the early hours from Friday to Saturday when a group of local residents, mostly young men but also including women and children, attempted an illegal departure from Cuba. They were intercepted by the Police and taken into custody.
In Camajuaní, there's no doubt that the police's effectiveness was due to a "snitch." According to a local resident who spoke to CiberCuba, it's rumored that someone overheard the group planning their illegal departure through the backyard of a house and alerted the PNR, which then disrupted the operation at Juan Fanguito beach. The beach is notoriously muddy during rain, hence its popular nickname.
Among the detainees was a woman with pending legal issues. According to the resident, she was either already sentenced and awaiting prison or facing trial. Another source, the Facebook profile of La Tijera, highlighted the "secrecy" surrounding the detention of the group attempting to leave the country via Juan Francisco beach.
La Tijera pinpointed the arrests on Thursday night on the road leading to Juan Francisco beach, where a group of young people intending to sail to Miami was apprehended. "The unfortunate part is that they remain detained, including mothers with their children. The exact number is unclear, with relatives estimating around 20," the publication noted. It also pointed out a shift in the regime's attitude, which had recently been turning a blind eye and "encouraging the exodus of Cubans by any means."
The big question, according to La Tijera, is what the authorities plan to do with these individuals who have been detained for over 48 hours. "The secrecy in this case is very strange. Less silence for more justice," the Facebook post demanded.
The most recent news of Cuban rafters reported that 15 Cubans landed on July 1 in Key West, Florida. They arrived on a "homemade boat" at Smathers Beach, according to Samuel Briggs II, head of the Miami Sector of the Border Patrol, on X. He also warned that they would be processed for deportation.
On June 30, seven Cuban rafters reached the shores of Mexico despite adverse weather conditions caused by Hurricane Beryl. They landed on Isla Mujeres, east of the country, near the MIA Reef hotel, a notable tourist destination close to the Yucatán Peninsula. All occupants of the boat arrived safely, according to a report by the Ninth Naval Region of the Mexican Navy, part of the Ministry of the Navy.
In May, four Cuban rafters survived a shipwreck that claimed the lives of four others. They were rescued by Mexican fishermen after being adrift at sea for 34 days. The Mexican government granted them humanitarian residence cards.
By the end of 2023, Florida authorities had recorded 3,836 Cuban rafters arriving on its shores.
Key Questions on Cuban Illegal Departures and Arrests
This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding the recent thwarting of illegal departures from Cuba and the subsequent arrests in Camajuaní.
What led to the recent arrests in Camajuaní?
A tip-off to the police about a group planning an illegal departure from Cuba led to the arrests near Juan Francisco beach.
Who were among the detainees?
The detainees included mostly young men, as well as women and children. Among them was a woman with pending legal issues.
What is the current situation of the detainees?
The detainees, including mothers with children, remain in custody with an estimated number of around 20 individuals.
How has the Cuban regime's attitude changed regarding illegal departures?
Recently, the regime had been turning a blind eye and even encouraging the exodus of Cubans by any means. However, this incident suggests a shift in policy.