Border Patrol agents intercepted more than 100 Haitian migrants off the coast of Key West, Florida, in the early hours of Wednesday morning as they attempted to enter the United States, according to Coast Guard officials.

The 118 migrants were initially spotted aboard a vessel in Florida waters around 4 a.m. They were promptly approached by Coast Guard vessels and escorted to safety. Upon reaching shore, they underwent comprehensive medical examinations to assess their health and were subsequently interviewed by authorities before being processed by Border Patrol.

Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Strasburg confirmed the interception, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis gripping Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. He underscored the dire circumstances where violent gangs have seized control, exacerbating widespread starvation and driving desperate residents to seek refuge elsewhere.

The unrest in Haiti reached a critical juncture earlier this year with the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry amid intense criticism for failing to conduct scheduled elections. His tenure was marred by logistical challenges and violent protests that disrupted electoral processes. The resulting power vacuum and external mediation proposals for a transitional government further destabilized the situation, escalating tensions and deepening political uncertainty.

Currently serving as Haiti’s interim prime minister, Garry Conille contends with continued instability exacerbated by pervasive gang violence, which has upended daily life and perpetuated a cycle of fear and unpredictability.

Representative Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., voiced concerns about the crisis's impact on South Florida, highlighting the potential for a significant influx of migrants due to escalating gang violence and the recent release of thousands of criminals from Haitian prisons.

Governor Ron DeSantis responded earlier this year by deploying over 250 additional law enforcement officers and soldiers to patrol Florida’s waters, aiming to thwart large-scale migrations of Haitian nationals. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, illustrated by images from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office depicting scores of migrants waiting by the roadside for processing.

Samuel Briggs II, acting chief patrol agent for Border Patrol in Miami, confirmed that all intercepted migrants had undergone medical clearance and were transported to Border Patrol stations for further processing. This includes comprehensive interviews to ascertain their eligibility for asylum or other forms of legal status in the United States.

Meanwhile, the Florida Immigrant Coalition called upon state and federal officials to ensure humane treatment and support for the migrants, emphasizing the perilous conditions driving Haitians to undertake hazardous sea voyages lasting up to seven days. They cited escalating violence, food insecurity, and heightened health risks, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as women and girls.

The interception of Haitian migrants off Key West underscores the ongoing humanitarian challenges facing Haiti and the intricate complexities of migration policy along the southern U.S. coast. It reinforces the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the root causes of migration and implement sustainable solutions to support those fleeing instability and violence in their homeland.