Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek Regarding the Decision to Move 11 Haitian Nationals from the Coast Guard Cutter to the Broward Transitional Center

 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) released the following statement after working with U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard officials to have the 11 Haitian nationals aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter moved to the Broward Transitional Center for processing:  

"The flight to sea from Haiti or via neighboring Caribbean islands to the United States is a perilous journey that tragically results in a loss of life as was the case earlier this week.  Many Haitian Americans in Florida and on the island nation are still unaware if their loved ones are safe and my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with these families during this trying time. 

"I want to commend the hardworking men and women from the Coast Guard who served as first responders to an unfolding nightmare.  These 11 individuals were eyewitnesses to human tragedy and will now be able to make their credible claim of fear, receive due process and legal representation.  They will be able to share with our law enforcement community valuable information about these unscrupulous smugglers who show a total disdain for human life by engaging in such criminal activity.   This situation is no less tragic but at least legal recourse is available to those who survived this horror on the high seas."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17^th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

-30-