Cubans continue to cross Straits despite many dangers

Ray Sanchez | Direct from Havana Marta and 14-year-old son Anselmo packed a navy-blue knapsack with bottled water, cheese, crackers, hand towels, sugar, sunscreen and a miniature ceramic Our Lady of Charity, Cuba's patron saint. "She'll protect us," said Marta, a 47-year-old medical lab technician who asked that her full name not be used for fear of reprisal. "Anything happens, I'm with my son." "Nothing can go wrong. We're going to El Yuma," said Anselmo, using Cuban slang for the United States. His confidence gave away their inexperience. It was their first attempt to leave Cuba by sea. New tragedies on the Florida Straits do little to deter other mothers and sons from packing a bag and heading into the tropical night. U.S. officials said the number of Cubans trying to cross the Straits is rising. In fiscal 2007, the U.S.... [read full story]                    

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