VIRGINIA, CMC – The United (US) Coast Guard has detained more than 480 illegal migrants from Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic following an 88-day patrol for illegal migration and drug trafficking in the Florida Straits and the Caribbean Sea.

The US Coast Guard said in collaboration with US Customs and Border Protection, the US Navy, the US Air Force, federal agents from throughout the US, partner nations in the Caribbean Sea and the Royal Netherlands Navy they conducted maritime safety and security missions “to detect, deter and intercept unsafe and illegal migrant ventures, as well as drug trafficking voyages bound for the United States”.

During the patrol, the US Coast Guard said a total of 428 migrants from Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic were detained and repatriated to their homeland.

The Coast Guard said during the operation they also intercepted two suspected drug smuggling vessels, leading to the arrest of six suspects, possession of the vessels and a seizure of US$100,000.

“This is my last patrol in Tampa, and once again, this crew impressed [me] with exceptional teamwork and superb dedication across a wide variety of missions,” said Sky Holm, commanding officer of Tampa, a 270-foot, Famous-class medium endurance cutter.

“They persevered to keep themselves and this 39-year-old asset in the highest state of readiness while thoughtfully caring for each other in the process. I am extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to serve with them these past two years. Additionally, I want to acknowledge all our loved ones ashore, who provide us strength while we are deployed. We could not accomplish our mission without their support,” Holm said.