The BBC's Malcolm Brabant: "The refugees decided to swim for it"

Two of the Cubans made it ashore on Tuesday afternoon, cheered on by a crowd.

One was surrounded by police and handcuffed, and the others held by coastguard officers in a struggle which was broadcast on local television.

One makes it to the beach

Hundreds of people complained, accusing the coastguard of brutality and insensitivity.

Returned

Under current American policy, Cubans who reach shore are allowed to stay and eventually get work permits, but those found at sea - even a few yards offshore - are usually returned to Cuba.

Demonstrators temporarily shut down a major highway, and the local police chief was treated for minor injuries after clashing with them. Public officials joined the protests.

Coastguard officials later said the six refugees would be allowed to stay in the US. After being checked for criminal records, all were expected to be released while they apply for asylum.

Jumped

The Cubans jumped from their rowing boat about 150 yards offshore, then swam and frantically changed directions each time authorities drew near in one of four boats.

US Coastguard spokesman, Lt Ron Labrec: We will conduct an investigation

At one point, the coastguards used water hoses, and one refugee in the water was hit with pepper spray.

Protesters later gathered outside the coastguard station in Miami Beach. An estimated 1,000 protesters shut down a causeway to Miami Beach during the rush hour.

A Miami congressman, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, called the action of the coastguards brutal and unjustified.

Cubans frequently flee their Communist-ruled island in small boats and attempt to make the 100 mile (160km) crossing to Florida. Correspondents say that the apparent force used by the coastguards has angered Florida's large Cuban exile community.