Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
A family that tried to escape Cuba by sea in a modified 1959 Buick was allowed to request political asylum this week. There were 11 refugees in the watertight car, which was powered by a propeller turned by its motor. Eight of them were returned to Havana when the Coast Guard stopped the craft 45 miles from Florida, on Feb. 3. The Grass family, which tried to flee last year in a floating 1951 Chevy truck, was sent to the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay after making a convincing case that they would be persecuted if they returned home. “We are very happy,” said Eduardo Perez Grass, the couple’s nephew in Havana. “At least they won’t be sent back here.”
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.