These migrants had attempted to enter the United States illegally by crossing the Florida Straits in summer 1994.
Of these 8,600, approximately 1,280 Cubans entered the United States in mid-October 1994 as a result of a program of parole entry by the US Department of Justice.
[2] The growing tension led to disturbances and riots on December 7–8, 1994, which were quickly controlled by US military members.
After the riots were contained, the 8th EN BN remained to serve security patrol for the 5 camps for the duration of Operation Safe Haven making numerous contributions to the engineering and sustainment of the mission.
5th Bttn 87th Infantry, Fort Davis Panama, was the primary US Army unit conducting security operations.
The 258th Military Police Company out of Ft. Polk, Louisiana was initially in charge of securing and patrolling Camp three.
A headquarters element from HQ Air Combat Command led by Colonel Dick Coleman, Air Movement Commander and Chief Master Sergeant Terry Wettig, Task Force Leader organized, trained and equipped a team of nearly 600 Security Police men and women.
Airlift support was provided by Air Mobility Command aircrews using C-141 and C-130 aircraft and involved five flights per day.