US repatriates 65 Cubans picked up at sea
MIAMI, United States (AFP) — The US Coast Guard has repatriated 65 Cubans caught at sea while trying to reach Florida in rickety vessels, officials said Wednesday.
The Cubans were picked up over the past few days in six separate interdictions in the Florida Straits, the Coast Guard said.
Cuba is about 150 kilometers (90) miles from the southernmost part of Florida.
Cuban migrants, unlike those from any other nation, are allowed to stay in the United States if they succeed in reaching land. But they are repatriated if picked up at sea.
Fear that this special treatment will end has triggered a rise in the number of attempted crossings since the United States and Cuba announced in December plans to restore diplomatic ties. They finally did so on July 20.
Since October 3,611 Cubans have attempted the dangerous crossing by sea, according to the Coast Guard.
