MIAMI, (CMC) – The United States Coast Guard says its crews have repatriated four people to Cuba and transferred 18 people to The Bahamas following three separate migrant vessel interdictions in the past week that originated from either country.

Earlier this week, the Coast Guard said, along with the Homeland Security Task Force Southeast, partners will “continue to be a presence in the air and on the waters to detect and deter migrants from attempting to unlawfully enter the US by sea.”

“The Coast Guard and our partners continue to patrol the Florida Straits, and Windward and Mona passages to help prevent loss of life,” said Commander Jorge Valente, District Seven response law enforcement officer.

“No one should risk their lives on unsafe rustic vessels, especially during adverse weather conditions in already unpredictable seas,” he added.

Since October 1, 2022, the US Coast Guard said its crews have interdicted or encountered 6,804 Cuban migrants.