US Coast Guard repatriates migrants to Bahamas and Haiti
Published:Thursday | June 13, 2024 | 9:56 AM
MIAMI, CMC – The United States Coast Guard says it has returned 305 migrants to the Bahamas and Haiti following multiple interdictions of unlawful maritime migration attempts over the last week in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry.
The Coast Guard said working with the US Homeland Security Task Force, they will continue to patrol by land, air and sea to rescue and repatriate anyone attempting to enter the US unlawfully by sea.
The Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans and Cutter Richard Etheridge on Sunday repatriated 109 people to the Royal Bahamas Defense Force following an interdiction near Anguilla Cay, in the Bahamas.
It said another mission north of Île de la Tortue, Haiti, resulted in the interdiction of a vessel with illegal immigrants.
“Irregular maritime migration is unlawful and extremely dangerous. The maritime border security mission is often equal parts law enforcement and humanitarian response, especially as we enter hurricane season and marine weather becomes more severe and unpredictable,” said Lieutenant Nick Fujimoto, Coast Guard District Seven enforcement officer.
“The Coast Guard urges any potential migrants considering the journey: don't take to the sea and risk your life just to be sent back,” he said, urging “the use the safe, orderly and lawful pathways”.
Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.