US Coast Guard: 48 Cubans Repatriated

MIAMI -- U.S. officials say they've seen a slight increase in the number of Cuban migrants intercepted at sea.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 48 Cubans who were picked up in the Florida Straits, bringing the total to 59 migrants picked up since April 28.

Officials say 48 migrants were returned to Cuba under the wet foot/dry foot policy which generally allows those who reach U.S. soil to apply for legal residence. Nine were taken to Guantanamo naval base because they may quality to resettle in another country. Two were brought to Miami because they were legal residents of the U.S.

A Coast Guard spokesman says April saw the largest number of migrant interdictions this fiscal year, with 125. The numbers are still lower than recorded between 2005 and 2008.