U.S. Coast Guard returned 136 illegal migrants to Cuba

Havana, Jan 21 (RHC) As part of the bilateral migration agreements, a total of 136 irregular migrants were returned to Cuba in two operations by the U.S. Coast Guard between the 18th and 20th of this month, through the port of Orozco, in Bahia Honda, in the western province of Artemisa.

A note published today on the official website of the Ministry of the Interior states that most of these people come from the provinces of Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, and Camagüey; they had participated in nine illegal departures from the country and were intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard at sea.  According to the information, 121 are men, 14 are women and one is minor.

Four of the returned irregular migrants were taken into custody for further investigation since they are suspects of serious crimes that are being investigated.

According to the text, nine operations have been carried out so far by this route from the United States, with 1,188 migrants returned to Cuban territory.

Cuban authorities have reiterated their commitment to regular, safe, and orderly migration, and insist on the danger and life-threatening conditions posed by illegal departures from the country by sea, the note concludes. (Source: ACN).