The Cuban Yudel Fernández Peralta shared his tearful testimony after a dangerous sea journey from Cuba to Mexico, followed by a crossing into the United States.
The ordeal included a week adrift on a raft until reaching the shores of Cancún, episodes of extortion in Mexico, and a month in jail in Texas until their release on December 31, 2024, with an electronic ankle monitor.
"The hardest part is not knowing when I will be able to hug my children and my wife, who are still in Cuba," expressed the migrant.
Seven days at sea to Cancun
Fernández shared his story in an interview for the YouTube channel Newsreporter. He left Cuba on a raft with 14 other people.
"It was seven days at sea. When we saw the lights of Cancun, we felt a sense of relief," he expressed. However, arriving in Mexico only marked the beginning of new challenges.
Their group was extorted by Mexican officials, including members of the National Guard. "They took everything from us, our phones, our money... What they wanted was money," he noted.
In Monterrey, coyotes demanded $1,200 per person to take them to the Rio Bravo, a crucial crossing point to the United States.
Crossing at Piedras Negras and arrest in Texas
Finally, they managed to cross the border at Piedras Negras, but the Cuban was arrested in Texas on charges of trespassing on private property. He was incarcerated for 30 days in an immigration detention center before being released with an electronic ankle monitor.
The migrant noted that the border is overwhelmed with people trying to cross before Donald Trump takes office this January. "There's a lot of traffic at the border," he remarked.
This experience highlights the numerous dangers that Cuban migrants face in their quest for a better future. The journey is fraught with risks, corruption, and a system that sometimes criminalizes them for seeking safety and the dream of transforming their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Migration of Cuban Rafters and Their Challenges
What was the journey of the Cuban balsero from Cuba to Texas?
The Cuban balsero recounted a seven-day journey on a raft to Cancún, Mexico, followed by extortions in Mexico, a crossing at Piedras Negras, and an arrest in Texas. He was imprisoned for 30 days before being released with an electronic ankle monitor.
What risks do Cuban rafters face when trying to reach Mexico and the United States?
Cuban rafters face risks such as shipwrecks, dehydration, storms, and extortions, in addition to the possibility of being detained or returned to Cuba. The precariousness of the vessels and corruption in some countries exacerbate these dangers during their journey.
How do Mexican authorities respond when rescuing Cuban rafters?
Mexican authorities provide immediate medical attention, first aid, and rehydration to the rescued raft migrants, and then transport them to public safety facilities for medical evaluations. The National Institute of Migration coordinates their legal status.
What measures are Mexican authorities taking to manage the arrival of Cuban rafters?
Mexico has intensified surveillance along its coasts to respond to migrant emergencies, working to identify the conditions of departure for vessels leaving Cuba and ensuring necessary care for survivors. They coordinate legal and humanitarian actions to address these situations.
Why do Cubans continue to risk dangerous journeys to Mexico and the United States?
Despite the risks, Cubans are seeking a better life outside their country due to poverty, violence, and repression in Cuba. These factors drive them to take dangerous routes in an attempt to reach Mexico or the United States in search of better opportunities.
Filed under:
