A Cuban citizen identified as Carlos Martín Gómez has publicly reported, through several videos shared on TikTok, the ongoing eviction by local police in Málaga, where he lives under a bridge with his dog.
In one of the videos, the man claims that police officers have repeatedly taken away his essential belongings, such as mattresses and makeshift construction materials that he uses for sleeping and sheltering.
"The police have been here again... this morning they took everything from me and now I went out with the wheelbarrow to look for the pallets, so I can sleep and sleep with my dog," she states.
Martín Gómez asserts that he has gathered all those resources on his own and criticizes what he sees as unequal treatment by the authorities.
"Now they come again to take away my mattresses and all my things. I brought all these things myself," he asserts in the same video.
also denounces what he perceives as an arbitrary management of social assistance and migration. "Certain people from certain countries are arriving here, breaking into homes, threatening, robbing, and mugging. And there is no courage to stop them. They are given housing. As for me, who doesn't harm anyone, they take everything away from me."
According to the Cuban, a maintenance supervisor of the river can confirm his good behavior. "Ask him if I am an alcoholic. I don’t steal, I don’t harm anyone. I live and die making an honest living."
Martín Gómez describes his situation as unsustainable and claims to have lost hope in the promises of assistance.
"I can't take it anymore. This life I'm living... I can't take it anymore," he asserts, visibly affected, while expressing a message of frustration. "What do they want me to do? Should I hit someone so I can get twenty years?"
In another video, the Cuban mentions that he has been a victim of multiple evictions and false promises, both from institutions and individuals.
“I had hundreds of followers who offered me jobs, homes… one left me waiting at the Eroski in the terminal, another took me to Marbella to look for an apartment and never showed up,” he recounts.
In recent years, he has lived in various shacks (poorly constructed housing typically built in suburban areas) made from recycled materials, some with verbal permission from the landowners.
All were brought down, according to him, by order of the police. "I had a business, I took the scrap to Campanilla, I was working. I would get up every day to make a living," he assures, and adds that he has been registered for years with the scrap yard Hermanos Olmedo.
Martín Gómez also points out that he was exiled from Cuba after serving a sentence as a political prisoner, and holds the Spanish government responsible for his current situation. "The Spanish government brought me here. They washed their hands of me like Pontius Pilate. They released me and told me: 'make your own way'."
Lastly, he criticizes the limitations of digital platforms and claims to have been censored for his opinions. "I have had several TikTok accounts closed for what I say. How is it possible that someone like me, an anti-communist, is censored for speaking the truth?"
Frequently asked questions about the situation of Carlos Martín Gómez and the life of Cubans abroad
Why does Carlos Martín Gómez live under a bridge in Málaga, Spain?
Carlos Martín Gómez lives under a bridge due to a lack of resources and social support in Spain. Despite his efforts to take care of his dog, authorities have repeatedly evicted his belongings. He reports experiencing unequal treatment from institutions and a lack of opportunities to secure a decent home.
What does Carlos Martín Gómez denounce about the management of the authorities in Spain?
Carlos Martín Gómez criticizes the arbitrary management of social assistance and migration. He asserts that the authorities allow others to receive housing while he, who does not cause any problems, is evicted and has his belongings taken away. He also mentions censorship on social media for his political opinions.
What is the context of other Cubans facing similar situations abroad?
Many Cubans abroad face similar challenges due to the lack of legal documentation and support. In Miami, for example, several Cubans live on the streets or in makeshift shelters, facing evictions and a constant struggle for survival. The community often comes together to provide assistance, but the situation remains critical for many emigrants.
What alternatives do homeless Cubans have to improve their situation?
The alternatives for homeless Cubans are limited and largely depend on community support and the political will of local governments. In some areas, supervised temporary camps have been established, but these are insufficient to meet the demand. Social and labor integration remains a challenge due to the lack of legal documents and employment opportunities.
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