APRIL 14, 2016 11:58 PM

8 Cuban migrants, 1 Pekingese dog found near Puerto Rico




In this Thursday, April 14, 2016 photo, provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, CBP, shows a dog that was rescued along with a group of 8 Cuban migrants from Mona Island, Puerto Rico. Officials say that a young child was part of the group and that the federal agency is temporarily caring for the dog. U.S. Customs and Border Protection via AP
The Associated Press
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO Federal authorities in Puerto Rico have detained eight Cuban migrants and a small Pekingese dog found on an uninhabited island near the U.S. territory.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Thursday that the group landed on Mona Island just west of Puerto Rico. Officials say that a child was part of the group and that the federal agency is temporarily caring for the dog.

Cubans are increasingly leaving their island amid fears they might lose a special status that gives Cubans automatic residency in the United States if they reach U.S. soil.

Federal agents have detained more than 150 Cuban migrants in the region so far this fiscal year.

http://www.heraldonline.com/news/nation-world/world/article71899897.html