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Cuban journalist José Luis Tan Estrada arrived in Mexico after crossing the feared Darién jungle and traveling over ten countries by land in a journey that lasted more than 45 days.
"The dictatorship made it difficult for me, but not impossible! Thank you, God!" wrote Tan Estrada on his social media from Mexico City, where he confirmed his arrival and expressed gratitude for the support of family, friends, and key individuals who aided him on his journey.
The communicator, known for his critical stance against the Cuban regime, stated that repression forced him to make the difficult decision to emigrate under extreme conditions.
"The dictatorship forced me to risk my life, but it did not defeat me. Here I am with more motivation and vitality to fight for a free Cuba," he expressed.
Tan Estrada arrived in Guyana from Cuba on December 31st and over a month ago began the journey that took him through the dangerous Darién jungle —one of the most perilous migration routes in the world— and faced numerous physical and emotional challenges. “A long and difficult road, full of obstacles, having lost some pounds (about 20), and with many dark circles under my eyes,” he detailed.
The news of his arrival was celebrated by friends and colleagues, such as activist Lara Crofs, who shared on her social media: “This is undoubtedly the best news I have received after so many months of uncertainty, sleeplessness, and constant struggle. Today we celebrate because strength won, dignity won… and he won.”
Tan Estrada announced that she will soon share chronicles about her experiences, a testimony that adds to the voices denouncing political repression in Cuba and the humanitarian crisis faced by thousands of migrants fleeing in search of freedom and safety.
In 2024, the young man was arrested in Havana and detained in Villa Marista, the headquarters of the State Security, in the days leading up to May Day.
Then he recounted: "The tortures were terrible, they would increase and decrease the temperature of the room, I would feel extreme heat or extreme cold. A repressor would come in and say it was very cold in here, and he would turn off the AC. Then when I was feeling very, very hot, another one would come in and set the unit to the lowest temperature," he detailed.
"It was days of hunger, thirst, psychological torture, and desperation; you couldn't sleep with those two permanent lights, and when you were trying to sleep, they would wake you up for an alleged interrogation where they just repeated the same thing," he recounted.
Frequently asked questions about the journey of Cuban journalist José Luis Tan Estrada and the situation in Cuba
How did the Cuban journalist José Luis Tan Estrada manage to get to Mexico?
José Luis Tan Estrada arrived in Mexico after crossing the dangerous Darién jungle and traveling through more than ten countries in a journey of over 45 days. He departed from Guyana on December 31 and faced numerous physical and emotional challenges along the way. His decision to emigrate was forced by the repression of the Cuban regime.
What motivated José Luis Tan Estrada to leave Cuba?
José Luis Tan Estrada decided to emigrate due to the constant repression and threats from the Cuban regime. He was arrested in 2024 in Havana and endured torture in Villa Marista, which forced him to seek a safe place to continue his journalistic work and advocate for freedom in Cuba.
What dangers do migrants face when crossing the Darién jungle?
The Darién jungle is one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world. Migrants face risks such as extreme weather conditions, unexplored terrain, and the presence of organized crime. This route has become one of the few options for those seeking to escape the crisis in their home countries.
How does repression in Cuba affect its citizens?
The repression in Cuba severely impacts the lives of its citizens, who face harassment, threats, and arbitrary detentions. The absence of freedoms and the state's control over daily life force many to seek better opportunities abroad.
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