The first deportation flight of 2025 landed today at Havana's José Martí International Airport, bringing with it 19 Cuban migrants who had been detained in the Bahamas. This group consisted of 16 men and 3 women, primarily hailing from the province of Ciego de Ávila. Their arrival marks another chapter in Cuba's troubling migratory crisis, as the nation grapples with unprecedented levels of emigration.
According to official reports, 2024 witnessed the return of 1,384 Cubans through 93 deportation flights from various countries. The numbers reveal not only the scale of migration but also underline the country’s difficult position: over 42,000 Cubans currently residing in the United States are facing deportation orders, yet the Cuban government has refused to accept them back. This situation became particularly pronounced following revelations from recent reports by Fox News, which cited information from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Among the concerns raised are the political shifts anticipated if the incoming administration led by former President Donald Trump follows through with plans for mass deportations. This has led to speculations about Mexico becoming central to these deportation flows—particularly for non-Mexican migrants. During discussions held at the beginning of December last year, U.S. and Cuban officials convened to review immigration matters, yet the topic of mass deportation did not feature on their agenda, emphasized Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío.
From April 2023, the U.S. resumed deportation flights for Cubans after putting them on pause at the end of 2020. The resumption highlights the growing tension between U.S. immigration policies and Cuban governmental responses. The island nation is already reeling from the aftermath of mass emigration, with its citizens seeking refuge and opportunities abroad amid economic turmoil.
Meanwhile, Mexico’s stance on the anticipated surge of migration resulting from deportation initiatives has been clarified by President Claudia Sheinbaum. She acknowledged the country’s readiness to assist by saying, "We are not in favor of these deportations, but if they happen... we will receive the Mexicans and Mexicanas..." This expresses Mexico's complex position: they are preparing to accept their citizens who might be faced with deportation yet are simultaneously pushing for humane treatment of other migrants who are not from Mexico.
The political backdrop associated with migrant returns is concerning as cartel violence remains rampant, particularly affecting northern regions of Mexico where these deportees are likely to end up. Reports indicate there were only 16,500 returns of foreigners from Mexico between January and August 2024, significantly lowered from the previous year’s total of 53,000 due to funding barriers.
President Sheinbaum highlighted plans for legal support for Mexican nationals facing deportation through U.S. consulates. Her administration is mobilizing resources to protect its citizens as they navigate the tumultuous political environment shaped by U.S. policies under Trump.
While negotiations continue, the Cuban government remains steadfast against the acceptance of its citizens facing deportation, complicative negotiations and creating additional challenges for families divided by these policies. This synchronicity of events showcases the highly charged and precarious nature of international migration as nations like the U.S., Cuba, and Mexico navigate the maze of immigration law and humanitarian needs.
The reality for many Cubans remains stark, as they confront the dangers of attempting to leave their homeland for opportunities elsewhere, knowing they may be forcibly returned. The outcomes of these deportation policies will resonate for years to come, affecting not only the lives of those being deported but the fabric of families and communities across borders.