Related videos:
A flight from the Cayman Islands arrived in Havana this Friday with 11 deported Cubans from that country, according to regime authorities.
A note from Facebook from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) detailed that it involved nine men and two women who had illegally exited the country.
The group of migrants arrived at José Martí International Airport on a plane from the Cayman Islands.
According to the MININT, two of the Cubans were detained upon their arrival in the country.
"One was transferred to the investigative body for being a suspected perpetrator of a criminal act before leaving the country, and another was on conditional release, stated that repressive body."
With this deportation, the total reaches 12 in 2025, in which 307 people have been returned to the country from different nations in the region.
The deportation of Cubans from the Cayman Islands and other countries not only represents a harsh setback in the migratory aspirations of those seeking a better life outside of Cuba, but also returns migrants to a disheartening reality in a country engulfed in a deep economic crisis.
Forced return means confronting once again the lack of opportunities and a system unable to provide them with a decent future.
This cycle of migration and return highlights the desperation of those who risk everything to escape a hopeless life, a stark reflection of the collapse of a system that can no longer sustain even the most basic dreams of its citizens.
In 2024, the authorities of the Cayman Islands maintained systematic deportations to Cuba of migrants arriving on their shores or intercepted in their waters.
On December 28, nine irregular migrants who had left the country illegally were brought back to Cuba from that nation.
All the migrants were men, and most were from the province of Ciego de Ávila, as reported by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) on X.
In recent years, many Cuban rafters have arrived in that British overseas territory on their journey to Mexico, where they aim to continue their trip by land to the border with the United States and seek asylum in that country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deportation of Cuban Migrants from the Cayman Islands
How many Cubans have been deported from the Cayman Islands in 2025?
As of now, 307 Cubans have been deported in 2025 from various countries in the region, including the Cayman Islands. This figure reflects the challenging situation faced by Cuban migrants in their quest for better opportunities outside the island.
Why do Cubans attempt to emigrate irregularly?
The economic crisis and the lack of opportunities in Cuba are the main reasons that lead many citizens to emigrate irregularly. The collapse of the Cuban socialist system cannot sustain even the most basic dreams of its citizens, which drives many to seek a better future abroad, often risking their lives.
What happens to Cuban migrants after being deported?
Deported Cuban migrants face again a lack of opportunities and adverse conditions in a country in crisis, which significantly impacts their aspirations to improve their living conditions. In some cases, they may be detained for pending charges or for violating their parole.
How do the authorities in the Cayman Islands manage the deportation of Cubans?
The authorities of the Cayman Islands operate a detention center for irregular Cuban migrants prior to their repatriation. The regulations implemented in 2022 have significantly reduced the processing time for repatriation, ensuring that the process is more efficient and swift.
Filed under: