The U.S. Coast Guard has repatriated a group of 16 Cuban rafters on Tuesday after their attempt to reach Florida's shores was thwarted by authorities. Last Friday, a Coast Guard crew intercepted the "makeshift vessel" carrying the Cubans approximately 15 miles southwest of Gun Cay, in the Bahamas, according to a statement from the agency.
Prior to the interception, the HC-144 crew from the Coast Guard Air Station in Miami had detected the rafters and alerted the Miami Sector command center, as detailed in the official report. The command center then redirected the Manowar Coast Guard cutter to intercept the Cuban craft.
The rustic 25-foot boat, inscribed with "Gloria de Dios" on its bow, was occupied by both men and women from the island, as seen in USCG videos. Since the start of fiscal year 2025 on October 1, Coast Guard crews have returned a total of 98 migrants to Cuba, highlighted the agency's statement. This figure is significantly lower compared to the 749 migrants repatriated in fiscal year 2024.
Heightened Operations in Florida Waters
"The Coast Guard, in collaboration with Southeast National Security Task Force (HSTF-SE) officials, maintains a continuous presence with air, land, and sea assets in the Florida Straits, Windward Passage, Mona Passage, and the Caribbean Sea as part of Operation Vigilant Sentry," stated the Coast Guard. "The multi-layered approach of the HSTF-SE is designed to ensure maritime safety and prevent illegal sea entry into the United States and its territories."
Despite intensified operations to stop maritime immigrants from reaching the U.S., Cuban rafters continue risking the journey, hopeful of landing in Florida. On January 19 and 20, the Coast Guard detected two vessels with a total of 12 people aboard. One was found 21 miles south of Long Key, and the other, damaged, was located about 50 miles southwest of Cuba in the Yucatan Channel, rescuing its seven occupants. The 12 rafters were repatriated on January 29.
Trump's Immigration Policies in Focus
The return of the 16 Cuban migrants this Tuesday comes at a critical time in the implementation of immigration policies under President Donald Trump, following his second inauguration on January 20. The new administration's strategy focuses on halting illegal immigration to the U.S. and safeguarding the nation's borders and citizens.
Mass arrests and deportations of undocumented foreigners, including violent criminals, have characterized the immigration actions carried out by the Trump administration in just over three weeks. While many support these measures, a significant portion of American society questions them. The ongoing immigration operations have led to increased anxiety among immigrants without legal status, who fear detention and deportation.
The White House defends its policy as the sole path to strengthening control and curbing illegal immigration into its territory, marking the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.
Understanding U.S. Immigration and Repatriation Policies
Why were the Cuban rafters repatriated?
The Cuban rafters were repatriated as part of the U.S. Coast Guard's efforts to prevent illegal sea entry into the United States, in accordance with U.S. immigration policies.
What is Operation Vigilant Sentry?
Operation Vigilant Sentry is a coordinated effort by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Southeast National Security Task Force to maintain maritime safety and prevent illegal immigration by sea.
How has the Trump administration changed immigration enforcement?
The Trump administration has intensified immigration enforcement with measures such as mass arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants, aiming to strengthen border security and control illegal immigration.