MIAMI, USA – The Homeland Security Task Force-Southeast (HSTF-SE) is on high alert during the holiday season, focusing on the protection of U.S. maritime borders and the prevention of irregular and unlawful maritime migration.
Continuous patrols are underway across U.S. maritime borders, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, aimed at counteracting illegal trafficking and stopping unauthorized entry into the United States.
Rear Adm. Doug Schofield, HSTF-SE Director and Seventh Coast Guard District Commander, stated, “Our Task Force partners are dedicated to our law enforcement and lifesaving missions in alignment with U.S. law and policy, particularly in the Florida Straits and Caribbean Sea. Our maritime borders are not open; attempting to reach the U.S. by sea is not a viable option. Entry into the U.S. must occur through safe and legal routes.”
Unlawful entry carries significant repercussions. Those attempting to enter the U.S. illegally by sea will face indefinite disqualification from the legal immigration parole process for Cubans and Haitians. Individuals who unlawfully arrive by sea will be processed for removal back to their country of origin, as stipulated by U.S. law. Additionally, those violating legal pathways will be presumed ineligible for asylum and may face expedited removal, a minimum five-year ban on re-entry, and potential criminal charges for unlawful reentry.
HSTF-SE is consistently monitoring migration flow rates and the geopolitical, social, economic, and security conditions in source nations that may impact maritime migration trends. This proactive approach enables the Task Force to adapt and effectively secure U.S. maritime borders.
The Coast Guard remains dedicated to fulfilling crucial homeland security and national defense objectives.
Schofield expressed gratitude for the commitment of service members safeguarding the nation’s coasts, stating, “We appreciate our dedicated volunteers who protect our borders, especially those deployed across air, land, and sea as we enter the new year. Stay safe, remain vigilant, and thank you for your service. Happy holidays.”
Established in 2003, HSTF-SE leads operational and tactical planning, command and control, and ongoing efforts to deter, mitigate, and respond to maritime mass migration in the Caribbean Sea and Florida Straits, supporting Operation Vigilant Sentry initiated in 2004.
