19 Cubans dropped on beach

Posted on Tue, Apr. 18, 2006

HOLLYWOOD
19 Cubans dropped on beach
BY NATALIE P. McNEAL
nmcneal@MiamiHerald.com

Nineteen Cubans came ashore in Hollywood early Monday and were being
interviewed by immigration authorities.

The group -- four adult women, 12 adult men, two girls and one boy --
appeared to be in good health, said Hollywood police Capt. Tony Rode.

The Cubans were discovered in the 3500 block of North Ocean Drive, at
Hollywood North Beach Park, Rode said.

Police said they thought a go-fast boat dropped them off about 6 a.m.
Police were investigating the possibility that the migrants were brought
in by a smuggling operation.

The Cubans were taken to the U.S. Border Patrol office in Pembroke
Pines, where they were interviewed and asked whether they were part of a
migrant-smuggling operation.

''We're continuing this investigation to develop leads into smuggling,''
said Steve McDonald, assistant chief patrol agent with the Border Patrol.

The Cubans will be classified as illegal aliens, and then will be able
to have their status changed, officials said.

Cubans who arrive in the United States get to stay under the Cuban
Adjustment Act of 1966, which enables them to apply for a green card
after more than a year in the country. If they are stopped at sea, they
usually are returned to Cuba.

On April 7, 43 Haitians, a Cuban and a Jamaican came ashore in Hillsboro
Beach. In most cases, Haitians who arrive in the country illegally are
sent back.

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