U.S. says it's ready to protect shores from Cuban migration
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U.S. says it's ready to protect shores from Cuban migration
By Larry Lipman
Palm Beach Post Washington Bureau
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Washington — The Bush administration is prepared to prevent a mass migration from Cuba after the death of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, two members of Florida's congressional delegation said Wednesday.
"Operationally, they are as prepared as they can be," said Rep. John Mica, a Republican from Winter Park and the ranking minority member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Mica and Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart and Lincoln Diaz-Balart, both Republicans from Miami, received a closed-door briefing Wednesday from officials representing the Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Homeland Security and the Border Patrol.
Several other members of the delegation sent staff members to the briefing.
Mario Diaz-Balart said the administration made it "very clear what the policy is Ö the United States will not permit the disruption of its sovereignty." The two congressmen did not reveal any details of the administration's plans, but said there have been training exercises to rehearse a response to a potential boatlift from Cuba after Castro dies.
A video released on Cuban television Tuesday showed Castro appearing more vigorous than videos released last fall after he underwent abdominal surgery. Castro, 80, was shown meeting with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
Mica said the administration has prepared for various contingencies, including the possibility that vessels would depart from South Florida to bring people back from Cuba, as happened during the 1980 Mariel boatlift.
"This administration is really prepared and will not permit the United States to not be able to control its territory," Mario Diaz-Balart said. "I came out satisfied Ö that they are well coordinated, they have rehearsed, and all of these issues have been taken into consideration."
