Former Defense Secretary Warns of Possible Large-Scale Migration from Cuba

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates said recent developments involving Cuba could lead to a large-scale migration toward the United States similar to the 1980 Mariel boatlift. Gates spoke on CBS News's "Face the Nation" on Sunday. He stated that the biggest risk is that tens of thousands of Cubans could head to the United States out of desperation.

Background on the Mariel Boatlift The National Coast Guard Museum describes the Mariel Boatlift as a mass migration in 1980 during which large numbers of people left Cuba by boat. Gates asked whether events on the island matter to U.S. national security.

Gates also noted the involvement of Cuban security personnel in other countries, including Venezuela. He said their actions have impacted U.S. national security and interests for a long time.