Coast Guard intercepts 132 Haitians on boat south of Florida Keys, sends them back home

In recent weeks, the U.S. Coast Guard has been actively engaged in intercepting and repatriating individuals attempting to enter the United States illegally by sea. On one occasion, the Coast Guard cutter Escanaba intercepted a 30-foot vessel approximately 50 miles southeast of Marathon, Florida, near the Florida Keys. This vessel was overloaded with 132 Haitians attempting to enter U.S. territory illegally. The interception occurred after aircrews from Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, along with Coast Guard Air Station Miami, spotted the vessel and notified the Escanaba’s crew. The Coast Guard’s quick response and effective coordination led to the successful interdiction of the vessel, ensuring the safety of the individuals on board and upholding U.S. immigration laws.

Once the vessel was intercepted, the Haitians were processed to determine their country of origin. During this process, they were provided with basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, and medical attention. This is standard protocol for such operations, ensuring that individuals are treated humanely regardless of the circumstances. After processing, the 132 Haitians were repatriated to their home country. This incident is part of a larger effort by the Coast Guard to address illegal maritime crossings, with 313 individuals repatriated to Haiti since the start of fiscal year 2025 on October 1, 2024. The Coast Guard’s commitment to securing U.S. maritime borders is unwavering, and these operations are a testament to their dedication to safeguarding the nation.

The Coast Guard’s mission extends beyond just repatriation; it also focuses on preventing illegal crossings and maintaining the integrity of U.S. borders. In a statement, Lt. Zane Carter, an enforcement officer with Coast Guard District Seven, emphasized the importance of their work: “The Coast Guard will continue to prioritize strengthening our domestic integrity and disrupting attempts to enter the United States illegally by sea. We are steadfast in our mission to safeguard America by securing our maritime borders.” This commitment is evident in the Coast Guard’s collaborative efforts with other agencies, such as the Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast, to maintain a strong presence in key maritime regions, including the Florida Straits, the Windward Passage, the Mona Passage, and the Caribbean Sea.

These operations are part of Operation Vigilant Sentry, a comprehensive initiative designed to protect the safety of life at sea while preventing unlawful maritime entry into the United States and its territories. The Coast Guard’s approach is multifaceted, involving air, land, and sea surveillance to identify and intercept illegal activities. This joint effort ensures that while the safety of all individuals at sea is prioritized, the rule of law is upheld, and illegal entry attempts are consistently disrupted. The Coast Guard’s work in this regard is critical not only to national security but also to the preservation of legal and orderly immigration processes.

In addition to the Haitian repatriation, another notable incident occurred recently when a Chinese migrant was apprehended near the Bahamas. The individual was found on a paddleboard with a suitcase in tow, a unique and desperate attempt to reach U.S. shores. This case highlights the diverse methods individuals may employ to attempt illegal entry into the United States. Such incidents underscore the importance of the Coast Guard’s vigilance and the need for continued collaboration between agencies to address these challenges effectively. The Coast Guard’s efforts are not limited to intercepting large vessels but also extend to identifying and assisting individuals who attempt to reach U.S. territory through unconventional means.

The Coast Guard’s work in these operations is not without its challenges. Balancing the need to enforce immigration laws with the humanitarian imperative to protect lives at sea requires careful planning and execution. The Coast Guard’s commitment to both aspects of their mission is evident in their actions, as they strive to uphold the law while treating all individuals with dignity and respect. As Lt. Zane Carter noted, “Anyone attempting to enter the United States illegally by sea will be interdicted and repatriated, consistent with U.S. law and policy.” This clear stance serves as a deterrent to those considering such dangerous journeys, while also ensuring that those who do attempt them are handled with the care and professionalism that the Coast Guard is known for.

In summary, the U.S. Coast Guard continues to play a vital role in safeguarding America’s maritime borders and upholding the nation’s immigration laws. Through operations like the recent interdiction of the Haitian vessel and the apprehension of the Chinese migrant, the Coast Guard demonstrates its unwavering commitment to securing U.S. borders while prioritizing the safety and humane treatment of all individuals involved. These efforts are part of a broader strategy under Operation Vigilant Sentry, which leverages collaboration with other agencies to maintain a strong and effective presence in key maritime regions. The Coast Guard’s dedication to their mission is a testament to their role as guardians of U.S. sovereignty and protectors of the seas.