U.S. Coast Guard Repatriates 99 Non-U.S. Citizens To Haiti

By Tiffany Williams –

On Wednesday, as the Trump Administration announced that illegal crossings along the southern border had reached an unprecedented low last month, showcasing President Donald Trump’s commitment to halting unlawful immigration and securing national borders, the U.S. Coast Guard intervened to repatriate 99 non-U.S. citizens to Haiti. This operation took place on Tuesday, following a maritime interdiction approximately 35 miles north of Cap-Haitien, Haiti.

The circumstances that led to this repatriation began when a Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations aircrew detected an overloaded vessel, measuring around 35 feet in length, that was navigating northward toward the Turks and Caicos Islands. The vessel was reported to the Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders on Thursday, who then executed a coordinated response.

Once the non-U.S. citizens were safely aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Seneca, they underwent an identification process to confirm their identities. During this stage, the individuals were provided with essential care, including meals, hydration, shelter, and basic medical attention, to ensure their health and well-being prior to being returned to their country of origin.

The Coast Guard, in conjunction with its partners in the Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast, maintains continuous presence across critical maritime regions, including the Florida Straits, the Windward Passage, the Mona Passage, and throughout the Caribbean Sea. This operational strategy, known as Operation Vigilant Sentry, employs a combined, multi-layered approach aimed at safeguarding lives at sea while actively preventing unlawful maritime entries into the United States and its territories.

In accordance with U.S. law and policy, any individuals attempting to enter the United States illegally by sea are swiftly interdicted and repatriated to ensure the integrity of national borders and the safety of maritime activities.