U.S. Coast Guard Repatriates 191 Haitians Interdicted at Sea
On Friday, August 29, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spencer (WMEC 905) intercepted a vessel about 40 miles (64 km) north of Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, carrying 191 Haitian migrants attempting to reach the United States.
According to a statement from the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast District based in Miami, Florida, the migrants were officially repatriated to Haiti on September 2, 2025.
Statement from U.S. Officials
Lt. Cmdr. Cory Arsenault, Coast Guard liaison officer at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, said:
“We remain committed to our mission to safeguard America by securing our maritime borders and preventing illegal entry into the United States and its territories. Anyone attempting to enter illegally by sea will be interdicted and repatriated, in accordance with the law.”
Humanitarian Assistance Provided
During the interdiction and processing procedures, the Haitian migrants were given food, water, shelter, and basic medical care before being returned to Haiti.
Broader Context
The repatriation highlights the ongoing risks many Haitians face in attempting dangerous sea journeys in search of a better life. U.S. authorities have repeatedly urged migrants not to undertake these perilous voyages, stressing that maritime migration attempts are often life-threatening.
