(AP) — Two Cuban migrants used a motorized hang glider to fly the approximately 90 miles (145 kilometers) from the communist island to Key West on Saturday, Florida officials said.
DEVELOPING: migrants from Cuba in motorized glider/ultralight land at #KeyWest airport. Monroe Co deputies on scene: U.S. Border Patrol agents transport them for processing. More on @WPLGLocal10 at 6 @CodyWeddleWPLG #FloridaKeys pic.twitter.com/IiBEZnbW3G
— Janine Stanwood (@JanineWPLG) March 25, 2023
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said the duo landed safely at Key West International Airport at about 10:30 a.m. and were turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.
Border Patrol officials in South Florida did not answer a phone call Saturday seeking comment.
Overwhelmed by Cubans and other migrants arriving at the Mexican border and into Florida by boat, the Biden administration in early January implemented a policy change that makes them request a permit, or parole, online before arriving with the sponsorship of a relative or acquaintance in the U.S.
Those who arrive without doing that risk deportation.
