Cuba News and Information

Sun-Sentinel.com
November 11, 2005, 2:19 PM EST

The U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 79 cuban migrants on Friday.

The migrants were taken to Bahia de Cabanas on board cutter Metompkin, arriving at about 10:50 a.m., according to the Coast Guard.

Among the 79 were 34 Cuban migrants rescued on Nov. 5 from a 27-foot boat discovered in six-foot seas about 65 nautical miles south of Key West. Thirty six others, were interdicted at sea on Nov. 4, nine nautical miles south of Marathon, and nine other Cuban migrants interdicted at sea on Nov. 6, 30 nautical miles south of Key West.

Two Cuban migrants associated with these incidents are awaiting transfer to officials at Guantanomo Bay, Cuba.

Under the so-called wet foot/dry foot policy, immigration officials can repatriate Cubans who the Coast Guard intercepts at sea if officials determine the Cubans do not have a credible fear of persecution if returned to the island. Cubans who make it to U.S. soil are generally allowed to stay.
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