Encl (2) to COMDTINST 16010.8
Undocumented Migrant Interdiction
Why We Act
Attempting to illegally enter the U.S over maritime routes poses a grave safety risk to
the undocumented migrants involved. Many do not survive the harsh environmental
conditions, or are preyed upon by smugglers. Undocumented migrants can also adversely
affect regional economies, particularly in cases of mass migrations. Furthermore, large
migrations of people can increase instability already present within a source country.
The Coast Guard attempts to deter or interdict undocumented migrants and ensure their
well being and safety. We are the only agency with the expertise and assets needed to
conduct at-sea migrant interdictions, rescues, and migrant smuggler apprehensions.
Key Factors
Smuggling via maritime routes is a convenient and efficient method of transporting
undocumented migrants. The majority of undocumented migrants attempting to enter the
U.S. by sea come from island nations such as Haiti and Cuba where ships and boats are
common and available modes of transportation. Maritime borders are more difficult to
control than entry ports such as airports and highway border crossings, and undocumented
migrants can be hidden aboard vessels engaged in legitimate trade. Socioeconomic and
political conditions in migrant source countries largely drive migrants entry attempts.
Migrant smuggling organizations are becoming more common, particularly around Cuba.
These organizations increase the opportunity for migrants to attempt illegal entry.
Smugglers use small vessels that are difficult to detect and can often outrun the
fastest Coast Guard cutters. Maintaining the readiness to interdict and deter migrants
in rapidly changing social and political conditions is critical to preventing large
numbers of migrants from entering the U.S.
Strategies
The Coast Guard maintains a presence in the maritime environment to deter smugglers and
reduce migrant flows. We seek to maintain the readiness to intercept 90% of all known
illegal migrant vessels detected at sea. Even the knowledge that Coast Guard cutters
are stationed off shore of a migrant source country can serve as an effective deterrent
to a mass migration, as Coast Guard operations did in 1993 and 1994 in Haiti and Cuba.
We also establish agreements with source countries to assist in reducing migrant flow.
For example, aircraft overflight authority granted by the Dominican Republic in 1996,
contributed significantly to a decrease in migrant flow.
Coordination
The Coast Guard provides at-sea enforcement of immigration laws, and conducts seabourne
repatriation of undocumented migrants. The disposition of undocumented migrants is
coordinated with the Border Patrol and Immigration and Naturalization Service. The Coast
Guard also coordinates with Customs and state and local law enforcement organizations in
interdicting migrants.
40 Maritime Safety
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