By Brian Ellsworth

MIAMI, Reuters – Friday’s U.S. Coast Guard statement said 40 Cuban nationals were returned to Cuba by the Coast Guard after it intercepted two vessels in Florida. Meanwhile, two individuals are being investigated for human smuggling.

As the economic crisis in Caribbean countries worsens, more people are migrating to try their luck on the sea.

They were found near the Florida Keys, on Sunday and Tuesday. According to a Coast Guard statement, two suspect smugglers were taken into Homeland Security Investigations.

Coast Guard Lieutenant Command Mark Cobb said that people illegally entering America using smugglers risk their lives to protect the country. “Migrantsmugglers, who are cruel criminals and only care about profits,” said Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Mark Cobb.

The Cuban economy has been hit by the COVID-19 Pandemic and US sanctions. Coast Guard reported that 690 Cubans had been arrested since October 1, as compared to 838 during the twelve months ended September 30.

Haitian boat migration is increasing due to economic downturns and an increase in kidnappings by gangs. These have been worsened after the assassination July of President Jovenel Moise.

On Thursday, the Coast Guard said that it intercepted a sailboat carrying 191 Haitians. [L1N2U723B]

After a 40-person boat capsized in Florida, the U.S. authorities called an end to their search. U.S. authorities are yet to release the nationalities for those aboard.

Five bodies had been recovered and one person survived. Colombia’s foreign ministry said Friday that it will assist the survivor. Juan Montoya was identified by Colombian authorities and transferred to Miami Hospital under immigration officials. Maria Montoya his sister died at the scene.

The Department of Homeland Security didn’t immediately reply to our request for comment.