In a video shared on TikTok by the user Michael Robert (@michaelrobert018), two young Cubans express their concern about the possibility that former U.S. President Donald Trump may carry out mass deportations of immigrants, including Cubans who have emigrated in recent years.
One of them poses: "If more than two million Cubans have left for other countries, and you deregister them from the ration book, why is there less rice? Where is that rice? If now Donald Trump sends all those people back here, where are you going to get 2 million pounds more of rice each month? So that's 4 million pounds of rice, where is that rice? And what do we have left? We're going to have to eat flour with sweet potato."
These concerns reflect the deep food crisis that Cuba is experiencing. According to official data, the production of essential food items has drastically declined; for example, pork production fell by 93.2% in 2023 compared to 2022, and rice production decreased by 85% in the same period.
This situation has resulted in basic products like rice arriving at warehouses late and in poor condition, affecting the food security of the population.
The young people's concerns in the video are also related to the recent immigration policies of the Trump administration. The president has granted new powers to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to expedite the deportation of immigrants under humanitarian parole programs and CBP One, which could impact thousands of Cubans currently residing in the United States.
The combination of an internal food crisis and the possibility of a mass return of emigrants creates uncertainty about how the country could handle a sudden increase in demand for basic foodstuffs, especially when it is already struggling to supply the current population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis and Deportations in Cuba
What impact would the mass deportation of Cubans have on Cuba's food crisis?
The massive deportation of Cubans from the United States would exacerbate the food crisis in Cuba, as the country struggles to supply its current population due to a drastic decline in the production of essential food items. With the arrival of thousands of deportees, the demand for basic foods such as rice would significantly increase, jeopardizing the already precarious food security of the island.
How does Donald Trump's immigration policy affect Cubans in the U.S.?
Donald Trump's immigration policy could lead to the expedited deportation of Cubans in the U.S., especially those under programs such as humanitarian parole and CBP One. This would create uncertainty among Cuban migrants who, despite having protection under the Cuban Adjustment Act, could face a tightening of immigration regulations.
Why is there a shortage of rice in Cuba if the population has decreased?
The shortage of rice in Cuba is due to the decline in local production, not just the population count. Although the population has decreased due to emigration, rice production fell by 85% in 2023. This has caused products to arrive at the stores late and in poor condition, worsening the food situation.
What challenges does the Cuban government face with a potential return of deported migrants?
The Cuban government would face serious challenges in reintegrating deported migrants, as it lacks the resources to handle a sudden increase in population. Furthermore, the arrival of individuals who have already experienced freedom outside the island could create social and political tensions, further complicating the internal situation of the country.
Filed under: