The Cuban influencer Cinthya Medrano García, known on social media as "La Cintumbare", was deported to Cuba this Thursday after spending several weeks in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The information was initially confirmed by his manager in a video posted on Instagram, in which he explained that the repatriation occurred on the first deportation flight under the administration of Donald Trump.
The news was also announced on TikTok by La Cintumbare's grandmother, who stated that these are "things in life that must happen."
Later, Cinthya herself posted a message on social media in which she appeared optimistic and combative, implying that she is ready to fight back.
"Thank you to all my followers for your lovely supportive messages, I love you all dearly. I will be enjoying my little one and my family, whom I haven't seen in four years, but in a few days I will be back with you," she wrote.
"We lost a battle, but not the war. Remember that the arrow must retreat in order to move forward. In 2025, the street is mine. I only hope you are ready to welcome a new woman," she concluded, before signing as "LA PATRONA."
In another image posted on her Instagram stories, she was seen being very affectionate with her son.
The digital portal Cubanos por el Mundo shared on Instagram a photo that allegedly shows La Cintumbare chatting with a neighbor.
Medrano was part of the group of 104 irregular migrants who were sent back to the island on a plane that landed at José Martí International Airport in Havana.
His return took place amid a tightening of U.S. immigration policies, which seek to strengthen controls over irregular migrants.
According to the journalist from Martí Noticias, Mario Pentón, Medrano's deportation was due to irregularities in her immigration status.
Although she claimed on social media to have a conditional release (I-220A), official documents revealed that she actually entered the United States with a parole on June 7, 2022.
However, his case became complicated due to the failure to appear at three immigration hearings, which led to an immigration judge issuing a deportation order in October 2023.
Detention and controversies of La Cintumbare
Medrano, who resided in the city of Houston, Texas, was detained in January by ICE agents. During her time in a detention center, she acknowledged in a phone call that there was a "98% chance" of being deported, which ultimately happened.
The influencer became well-known on social media for her irreverent style, obscene language, and controversial comments. In several live streams, she stated that she would not return to Cuba unless she was "dragged back".
In one of his most controversial messages, he urged his followers to send helicopters and planes to prevent his deportation. He also addressed the Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, requesting him to intervene to prevent his return to the island.
"They are waiting for you to sign my deportation. I just told the Americans that you do not agree with me going to Cuba, because I am a persona non grata in your country. I need you to use your connections and your influence, because I have made enemies in the U.S. because of you, and now it’s your turn to do something for me," Medrano declared in a video from the immigration detention center.
During her stay in the United States, "La Cintumbare" became involved in several media disputes.
Among them, a defamation lawsuit filed by the singer "La Diosa" stood out, after Medrano made offensive comments about the artist's son and husband.
Additionally, he went viral for remarks in which he stated that he had no intention of working in the U.S., and expressed a preference for living off government assistance.
Immigration Policies and Deportations of Cubans
The deportation of La Cintumbare occurs within a context of tightening immigration policies under the administration of Donald Trump.
Official reports indicate that more than 42,000 Cubans in the United States have final orders of deportation.
Before the flight this Thursday, the previous one took place on December 19, when ICE deported 42 citizens to Cuba who had entered the country illegally.
During Joe Biden's administration, 42 deportation flights were carried out, resulting in a total of 978 Cubans being returned to the island.
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