Around 500 migrants, thought to come from Cuba and other Caribbean countries, landed in the Florida Keys over the weekend in what local authorities described as a significant issue.
Authorities were compelled to close Dry Tortugas National Park because to the influx of people. Around 300 migrants came there over New Year’s, and first responders did their best to provide assistance, including food and water.
160 additional migrants arrived by boat in different Florida Keys locations at the same time, according to officials.
Then, on Monday, two further groups of migrants—each consisting of roughly 30 individuals—were discovered in the Middle Keys.
While attempts are made to assist and process the migrants, officials of Dry Tortugas National Park announced that the park would be closed to the general public for a number of days.
The only ways to get to the national park, which is 70 miles west of Key West, are by boat or seaplane. It consists of seven little islands.
“The closure, which is expected to last several days, is necessary for the safety of visitors and staff because of the resources and space needed to attend to the migrants. Like elsewhere in the Florida Keys, the park has recently seen an increase in people arriving by boat from Cuba and landing on the islands of Dry Tortugas National Park. Park first responders provide food, water and basic medical attention until the Department of Homeland Security arrives and takes the lead.”
In a statement released on Monday, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said it was supporting federal authorities with a high rise in Cuban migrants starting on Saturday and continuing through Monday. The agency claimed that US Border Patrol informed them that some migrant landings could have to wait until the following day for federal assistance, worsening the situation.
According to the office, there is a humanitarian crisis as a result of a government failing.
