HAVANA, Reuters – Late Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that it has returned 119 Cuban migrants back to Cuba after having picked them up at sea. This is a sign of a rising trend in migration by water, from the communist-run nation to its rich northern neighbour.

In a statement, the U.S. Coast Guard stated that the migrants were rescued in twelve operations which took place in just three days from South Florida Straits (from the Bahamas to Florida Keys) and found in boats drifting offshore.

Cuban state media reported Tuesday’s repatriation as the biggest in four years. The footage from Cuba’s northern shore shows masked workers in health clad with white welcoming the migrants. They had been transported by U.S. officials by boat.

As Cuba’s economy continues to struggle, a growing number of immigrants are trying their luck on the seas. This is due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing U.S. sanctions.

Over the years, many Cubans have been killed in this dangerous crossing that was complicated by fast ocean currents and relentless sun and winds.

Coast Guard statistics show that 586 Cuban migrants attempted illegally to migrate to the United States within the first three months fiscal year 2022. This is a much faster rate than 2021 when 838 Cubans were repatriated by the Coast Guard.

According to U.S. immigration statistics the Cuban population reached the U.S. border from Mexico twice as fast, with a record number crossing between the months of 2020 and 2021. This is because many Cubans are now looking for ways to cross the country by using overland routes.

Cuba insists on legal, safe and orderly migration. It has also blamed the United States of illegal immigration, claiming that the policies of the United States, which include the Cold War-era embargo have encouraged Cubans from leaving the island to take the risk.

Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of U.S. Homeland Security said that Cubans will not be allowed to leave Cuba after the unprecedented protests there.