EPA
ANNOUNCEMENTS•
Hundreds of Cuban refugees have arrived in the uninhabited island group of Dry Tortugas, the westernmost tip of Florida, in recent days. A nature reserve is temporarily closed to tourists so that shelter can be arranged.
In total, around 300 immigrants have arrived in the archipelago since New Year’s Day. As there are no facilities such as running water or shelter, nature reserve employees have provided food, water and basic medical care.
In the coming days, the aid will have to be taken over by the competent authorities. Until then, the archipelago will remain off limits to tourists.
Record number of migrants
Due to the difficult economic situation on the island, many Cubans are currently trying to come to the United States. A record 220,000 Cubans were detained at the border crossing with Mexico last year. A smaller group ventures to Florida, as Cuba is less than 150 kilometers from Florida.
Recently hundreds of immigrants have also arrived elsewhere in Florida. A local sheriff says the Biden administration needs to do more to manage migration flows.
The Dry Tortugas are a group of seven tiny islands located over 60 miles off the coast of Key West. It is a popular destination for snorkelers and divers, who can see tropical fish, turtles and shipwrecks.
