CBC photo migrants being escorted to aircraft for repatriation-13022026

Grand Cayman, 16 February 2026 – The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service
(CBC) repatriated nine (9) migrants to the Republic of Cuba on Friday, 13 February 2026.

The nine male migrants were escorted by Customs and Border Control Officers and Prison
Officers. They departed Grand Cayman on a non-chartered Cayman Airways flight at
approximately 1:20 p.m. This brings the total number of migrants repatriated to Cuba since the
beginning of 2026 to thirteen (13).

CBC Director Bruce D. Smith stated, “I would like to thank all those involved for executing
another successful operation. We are grateful for the support of our partner agencies.”

Additional repatriation flights will be arranged as processing continues.

Separately, earlier today, 16 February 2026, six (6) adult male Cuban migrants arrived in Grand
Cayman after being rescued at sea by a passing vessel. They were transferred into the custody ofCBC Officers upon arrival and are currently being processed in accordance with Cayman Islandslaw and the country’s international obligations.

The Government’s approach to irregular migration continues to be grounded in three coreprinciples: lawful border control, a humanitarian duty of care, and the safeguarding of national security.

About the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC):
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control (CBC) is responsible for the protection of our borders, the management of travel, the collection of import duties, package tax, andwarehouse fees under the Customs and Border Control Law and Regulations.