9 Cuban migrants arrive in Florida Keys

Group becomes fourth to make landfall in Keys since last week

KEY WEST, Fla. ā€“ For the fourth time in two weeks, a group of Cuban migrants has made landfall in the Florida Keys.

Monroe County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Becky Herrin said nine Cuban migrants arrived about 6 a.m. Tuesday near mile marker 96.4.

The seven men and two women were in good condition, Herrin said.

They were turned over to the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Twelve Cuban migrants arrived at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier early Friday morning. Seven others came ashore on a small island off Geiger Key a few hours later.

A day earlier, 23 Cuban migrants on a homemade boat arrived on Smathers Beach in Key West.

Under the "wet foot, dry foot" policy, Cubans who set foot on U.S. soil are typically allowed to stay, while those intercepted at sea are sent back.


About the Author:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.