More Cuban Migrants Risking Sea Crossings
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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — The number of Cuban migrants risking their life at sea to reach the U.S. has surpassed last year's totals, amid fear the U.S. may be changing its policy.
Coast Guard officials in Miami said Tuesday that roughly 3,910 Cubans have been caught or intercepted in the Florida Straits, the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean since the fiscal year began Oct. 1st.
In the previous fiscal year, authorities tallied 3,731 Cubans attempting to illegally migrate to the U.S. by sea.
Coast Guard officials have said December's announcement of a detente with Cuba may be driving more Cubans to attempt the journey, fearing the U.S. will change its policy allowing Cubans reaching U.S. land to stay and pursue citizenship.
Cuban migrants caught at sea usually are returned home, including 64 who were repatriated Monday.
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