The Cuban influencer Alexander Otaola sparked a new controversy recently by stating that Cubans who, in his opinion, should be deported to Cuba without hesitation during the new Trump Administration.
"We need to deport immigrants who did not come for political reasons. Those with a criminal record, those who declare themselves communists, those who say that what interests them is opening a business in Cuba and sending a car there,” he pointed out.
Otaola stated that those are the ones who need to be told "go back," as they do not qualify for any immigration status, and they should be put on boats or planes back to Cuba.
"Moreover, it should be done without asking for permission from the Cuban dictatorship, which is another of the major mistakes being made by the United States," added the former mayoral candidate.
Otaola admitted that although there are "pacts" between both countries, one cannot treat the island as if it were a country functioning normally, because "Cuba is not a normal country."
He also accused the Communist Party of Cuba of using migration flows as a tool of political pressure.
The controversial host said that the government of the United States “needs to stop asking, fill the mother ship, set sail, arrive at the shores, get the crowd down and tell them: ‘Get up, you were born here’.”
Alexander Otaola remarked that anyone who does not want to be on that list needs to stop being an economic immigrant.
"An economic immigrant is anyone who came here to get a phone, a car, a standard of living, and did not come because they were bothered by communism, nor did they come because they felt limited and oppressed in their home country," he defined.
Otaola did not exempt the Cubans with I-220A from the group, particularly those who at Versailles said, "We do not talk about politics."
"All those people in the first shipment," asserted the influencer, who took the opportunity to recommend that all deportees be allowed to take their "little things," including a generator and a solar panel to withstand the island's power outages.
"I believe it would be something good for the Trump administration to do, and I think they will, although perhaps not in this way," he added, and concluded that "it would be nice."
Otaola's stance has polarized the audience. Some followers support his message, while others accuse him of absolute insensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alexander Otaola's Statements and Their Impact on the Cuban Community in the U.S.
What Cubans does Alexander Otaola propose should be deported by the Trump administration?
Alexander Otaola proposes deporting Cubans who did not come to the U.S. for political reasons, those with criminal records, those who declare themselves communists, and those who are simply seeking economic benefits, such as opening businesses in Cuba or sending material goods. Otaola suggests that these individuals should be sent back without consulting the Cuban government.
How does Otaola's stance affect the relationship among Cubans in the U.S.?
Otaola's stance has created divisions among Cubans in the U.S., polarizing the audience. Some support his statements, while others criticize him for his lack of sensitivity and for inciting fear within the migrant community. These tensions reflect the diverse experiences and opinions within the Cuban diaspora.
What criticisms has Otaola received for his statements about the deportation of Cubans?
Otaola has been criticized by figures such as Destino Positivo, who labels him as manipulative and accuses him of instilling fear among Cubans in exile. The influencer Flor de Cuba has also referred to him as "chivatón," accusing him of having a double standard and lacking empathy towards his fellow countrymen. These criticisms reflect a portion of the community's rejection of his methods and statements.
What actions does Otaola suggest for the deported Cubans?
Otaola suggests that deportees should be allowed to take "their belongings," such as a generator and a solar panel, to cope with power outages in Cuba. While he presents these measures as a practical gesture, his proposal has been perceived as insensitive by some members of the Cuban community.
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