Officers Absolved in Cuban Confrontation

Eight U.S. Coast Guard officers who tried to stop a group of Cuban migrants at sea with fire hoses and pepper spray were acting on orders and within policy and will not be disciplined, a top Coast Guard official said in Miami. Rear Adm. Thad Allen said a monthlong Coast Guard investigation of the June 29 incident found that the use of the spray and hoses to stop six Cubans from reaching shore was “inappropriate,” but because the officers acted on orders and within Coast Guard policy, they will be reinstated to interdiction duty. The incident on Atlantic waters just off Surfside was broadcast live on television. Two of the Cubans made it to shore, and four were halted at sea. All were ultimately allowed to stay after demonstrations by Cuban exiles, who blocked major roads in Miami. The eight officers were suspended from law enforcement duty after the confrontation but remained on active patrol.