Coast Guard

Group of Cuban Migrants Intercepted Near Key Biscayne

A boat carrying a group of Cuban migrants was intercepted by the Coast Guard near Key Biscayne Thursday.

Officials said the migrants tried to evade when they were approached by the Coast Guard about a mile from Key Biscayne.

Aerial footage showed the small boat surrounded by Coast Guard vessels and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat.

The footage showed CBP agents pointing what appeared to be weapons at the migrants, however officials said they were "less-lethal munitions" that shoot plastic balls.

The migrants were given life vests and taken aboard a Coast Guard cutter. They're expected to be repatriated.

Coast Guard officials said there were 11 migrants, nine men and two women. They said the group had two machetes, but one was thrown overboard.

One of the migrants held a machete to his neck and tried to injure himself, officials said.

More than 100 Cubans have attempted the dangerous journey to the U.S. this month alone, officials said.

"The Coast Guard has seen a 21 percent increase in Cuban migrant flow this year compared to last year," Coast Guard spokeswoman Marilyn Fajardo said.

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