The Cuban Lietty Piña shared on social media the challenging journey she undertook to leave Cuba and arrive in Mexico, where she currently resides. In a video posted on TikTok, the young woman explained step by step the route she took, highlighting the risks and difficulties she encountered.
According to what was shared on her profile @liettypi, her journey began with a direct flight from Cuba to Nicaragua, taking advantage of the fact that the Central American country does not require a visa for Cubans. "Because asking for a visa in Cuba is another huge problem," she explained. From there, she set out on a land journey through Honduras and Guatemala, covering long distances by bus, motorcycle, and on foot.
One of the most challenging moments of her journey was when she arrived in Guatemala, where she was detained along with other migrants because, as she explains, the person she had paid for the journey had not made the necessary payments to the traffickers who were transporting them. "There we were kidnapped... this part is a bit hard, but we were there for those days," she recounted, murmuring to avoid issues with the platform.
Reactions on social media
Lietty's story generated hundreds of comments on TikTok, where many followers praised her for her bravery and welcomed her to Mexico with supportive messages. "Welcome to Mexico, we embrace you," wrote one user, while another commented: "Welcome, Cuban sister, feel Mexican already."
Others, on the other hand, asked him about the cost of his trip and how he managed to finance it, one of the most recurring questions in the comments. "And where did you get the money if you say there are no jobs in Cuba? That sounds very fake," wrote an internet user. In response to these questions, another replied: "So what? Can't you save, sell something, or borrow?".
Context: the Cuban exodus to Mexico
The story of Lietty is set against the backdrop of a growing phenomenon of Cuban migration to Mexico. In recent years, Mexico has ceased to be just a transit country for many migrants and has become a definitive destination, due to increasing restrictions on entry into the United States.
The U.S. immigration policy, toughened by the return of Donald Trump to power, has led thousands of migrants to reconsider their original plan to reach the U.S. and choose to settle in Mexico. Data from the National Institute of Migration (INM) indicates that between 2019 and 2025, 6.3 million migrants chose to stay in Mexico, including a significant number of Cubans.
One of those migrants is a Cuban interviewed by the newspaper Excélsior, who said: "To have a better situation because the situation in my country is not going to change, it has become complicated."
The Mexican government, for its part, had announced that it would accept deported Cuban migrants from the U.S., as part of an agreement that also includes Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Hondurans. President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that her administration will provide "humanitarian assistance" to those who cannot continue their journey north, while at the same time facilitating the repatriation of migrants stranded in the country.
The debate about the presence of migrants in Mexico has been addressed by content creators such as the Cuban Michel Crónicas, who recently sent a message via TikTok to his compatriots stranded at the border with the U.S. "I know many dreamed of reaching the United States, but current immigration laws make it nearly impossible. However, you are in Mexico, a country that opens its doors to us and where other dreams can be fulfilled. Do not see Mexico as a second option, see it as your new home".
Her stance, however, generated both support and controversy. While some Mexicans have shown their support for Cubans seeking a new life in the country, others have expressed concern about Mexico's ability to absorb a massive influx of migrants, pointing to the lack of jobs and resources.
Lietty, for her part, has shared on social media her experience as a Cuban in Mexico, comparing the accessibility of basic products between the two countries. In another video, she reflected on how items like toilet paper, Coca-Cola, and clothing, which are commonplace in Mexico, are considered unattainable luxuries for many people in Cuba.
Lietty's story reflects the reality of many Cubans who, faced with economic and political difficulties on the island, choose to take a risk on an uncertain journey in hopes of a better life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Migration to Mexico
Why do Cubans choose Mexico as a migration destination?
Cubans are choosing Mexico as a migratory destination due to the increasing restrictions on entering the United States, which has led many to view Mexico not just as a transit country, but as a final destination. U.S. immigration policy, particularly intensified by Donald Trump's return to power, has influenced this decision.
What difficulties do Cubans face on their journey to Mexico?
During their journey to Mexico, Cubans face numerous risks and challenges, such as a lack of resources, the threat of being held by traffickers, and the long distances to cover. In the case of Lietty Piña, a Cuban who shared her experience on social media, she was held in Guatemala due to an unpaid fee to the traffickers, highlighting the dangers they are exposed to.
What is life like in Mexico for Cuban immigrants?
For Cuban immigrants, life in Mexico can represent an improvement compared to the situation in Cuba, but it also comes with challenges. Access to basic products and the cost of living are important aspects to consider. Lietty Piña, for example, compared how common items in Mexico, such as toilet paper and Coca-Cola, are viewed as unattainable luxuries in Cuba.
What role does Mexican solidarity play in the Cuban migratory experience?
The solidarity of the Mexican people has been crucial for many Cuban migrants seeking a new life outside the island. A young Cuban on TikTok expressed his gratitude towards Mexico for its support, highlighting that the empathy and assistance of local communities are essential for migrants facing significant challenges on their journey.
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