182 Haitian migrants intercepted at sea and repatriated by the US Coast Guard.
US authorities announced on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, the repatriation of 182 Haitian migrants, intercepted at sea off the Turks and Caicos Islands. The operation was carried out by the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Diligence, who acted after receiving information about a disabled vessel. This report, initially reported by an HC-144 Ocean Sentry surveillance aircraft, was relayed to the guards of Coast Guard District Seven.
The incident occurred last Saturday, around 7:15 p.m., approximately 56 miles south of the Turks and Caicos Islands. In response, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark was dispatched to the scene to intercept the distressed vessel.
Officials are warning of the dangers of maritime migration, especially during this hurricane season. Lt. Nicholas Fujimoto of Coast Guard District 7 highlighted the increased risk of peril at sea, noting that makeshift vessels are not suited to unpredictable weather and tropical storms.
“Hurricane season is a particularly dangerous time for illegal maritime migration,” Fujimoto said. “The makeshift vessels are unseaworthy and unable to cope with rougher seas caused by unpredictable weather and tropical storms.”
Please be reminded that migrants intercepted at sea or apprehended on land will not be allowed to stay in the United States or its territories. Under U.S. law, any person arriving illegally may be declared ineligible for legal immigration options and repatriated to their country of origin.
“Anyone seeking entry into the United States must do so through safe, orderly, and legal channels; do not travel by sea,” warned Lt. Commander John W. Beal, a spokesman for the Homeland Security Task Force-Southeast. He also said that attempts at illegal entry could result in a five-year ban on entry and possible criminal prosecution.
Since the beginning of the fiscal year, October 1, 2023, 507 migrants have already been repatriated to Haiti by the Coast Guard. This operation is part of Operation Vigilant Sentry, an initiative aimed at preventing illegal entry into the United States via maritime approaches, in collaboration with the Homeland Security Task Force-Southeast.
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The reference rate calculated by the BRH for this Thursday, August 22, 2024
2024-08-22 12:41:27