PRF Rescues 108 Cuban Migrants and Arrests Five 'Coiotes' on BR-401

Overview

• The Polícia Rodoviária Federal says its operation on Monday rescued 108 Cuban migrants in three stops on BR-401 near Cantá, Roraima, in what the agency calls the largest single-day rescue of Cubans in the state.
• Officers found people in vulnerable condition, including elderly people, at least ten children, and a pregnant woman, with many reporting days without food and some children showing breathing problems.
• Five suspects identified as 'coiotes' were detained and multiple vehicles were seized after pursuits and tactical follow-ups; the suspects were sent to the federal custody system for criminal processing.
• The PRF says the smuggling route runs Cuba → Georgetown → Lethem (Guyana) → Bonfim/BR-401, with Boa Vista as a transit hub, and that migrants reported paying fees that ranged from about US$300 for short legs up to roughly US$2,800 for the full journey.
• Rescued migrants were transferred to the Polícia Federal for identification, basic aid and migration procedures that can include a nominal fine if they later seek services, and authorities warn the operation underscores growing pressure on Brazil's northern border and ongoing federal investigations.