MIAMI / HAITI – The Coast Guard Cutter Seneca’s crew repatriated 99 individuals to Haiti on Tuesday after conducting a maritime interdiction approximately 35 miles north of Cap-Haitien, Haiti.
A Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations team alerted Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders on Thursday about an overloaded vessel, approximately 35 feet in length, heading north toward the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“The Coast Guard is committed to defending the US maritime borders through ongoing patrols in the Florida Straits, Windward Passage, and Mona Passage to intercept unlawful maritime migration attempts before they reach US shores,” stated a Coast Guard liaison officer. “Attempting illegal migration in overloaded, unsafe vessels without safety equipment is extremely dangerous and poses a significant risk to your life and that of your loved ones. Do not risk your safety by taking to the sea only to be sent back.”
Upon boarding a Coast Guard cutter, individuals are processed to confirm their identities and are provided with food, water, shelter, and basic medical care before being repatriated to their country of origin or returned to their departure location.
The Coast Guard, along with partners, maintains a robust presence in the Florida Straits, Windward Passage, Mona Passage, and the Caribbean Sea to support Operation Vigilant Sentry. This integrated, multi-layered approach aims to ensure safety at sea while preventing unlawful maritime entry into the United States and its territories.
All individuals attempting to illegally enter the United States by sea will face interdiction and repatriation in accordance with US law and policy.
Since the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1, 2025, Coast Guard crews have repatriated a total of 412 individuals to Haiti, significantly lower than the 857 repatriated during FY24.
