Cuban "dances" with a police officer in Mexico: This is the reason

A viral video has been circulating on social media for days, showing a Cuban arguing with a police officer in Mexico after allegedly being caught smoking marijuana in a public place.

The incident has generated a deluge of reactions on social media, many of which are conflicting and reflect a wide range of opinions among Cubans and Mexicans.

Now then, what can be seen and heard in the images?

In the video in question, the Cuban energetically confronts the police officer, there are pushes and foul language, and a determination to show the agent that what he is doing is unjust, as the islander claims that "everyone smokes and nothing happens."

The low tone of the police officer's voice makes it unclear what the agent said, although it raises fears that the ultimate intention was an attempt at extortion, something that is common in Mexico.

However, what has really caught the attention of many is the cocky attitude of the Cuban.

“Do you know who you’re talking to? You’re not talking to some amateur, okay? Don’t touch me, dude, don’t touch me, brother! Get off! Let me go, buddy,” shouts the Caribbean man in what seems to be one of those markets that Mexicans call a “tianguis.”

“And what the hell does it matter that I’m not from here? And what does it have to do with anything that I’m not from here? You’re going to have to bring a truckload of people to take me to the station,” warned the Cuban as he was being dragged by the agent to a more discreet location.

"And so what if I smoke marijuana, so what? Everyone here smokes marijuana, don't be ridiculous", concluded the Cuban, just before the recording was cut off.

It is not known when it occurred or what the outcome of the disagreement was, but it is very likely that it ended in an economic "agreement" to avoid arrest.

In the comments section of the scene, dozens of internet users were divided between criticisms of the Cuban's behavior, accusations of police abuse and corruption against the police, and reflections on the duties and rights of immigrants.

"They only act tough when they leave Cuba; back there, they don't protest even in their dreams." "What he did was wrong; you can't smoke marijuana in the street and then argue with the police." "That's not how to represent a country. Because of people like this, we are looked down upon everywhere." "That's not bravery; it's just sheer boldness. Show off in your own country, not where you're being given asylum," commented those who criticized the Cuban's defiant attitude.

"The police officer was very patient; in another country, he would already be handcuffed or on the ground"; "Deport him, that way he learns that cheap bravado is not respected anywhere"; "He tarnishes the reputation of all the serious Cubans who want to work and get ahead", added others.

However, many emphasized the frequent accusations of police abuse and corruption that weigh on the Mexican police.

"Police in Mexico are among the most corrupt; they extort money from migrants, and if you don’t give it to them, they make your life difficult." "That police officer just wanted money. If you give it to him, he lets you go." "They don’t mess with the drug lords, but they do target a Cuban who is smoking. Why don’t they do their job properly?" "There are areas in Mexico where everyone smokes, and nothing happens. They only pick on foreigners," others warned.

A third group tended to reflect on the migratory condition and the need to adapt:

• "As a migrant, you must respect the laws of the country you are in, even if you disagree."
• "If you know you don't have papers, how can you shout at the police?"
• "We must integrate, not provoke. The migrant is always at a disadvantage."
• "Laws are meant to be followed. If you don't like it, change countries or stay in your own."
• "What that Cuban did could cost him deportation. Is it worth losing everything for pride?"

There was also a substantial amount of self-criticism from the Cuban community:

• "We think we rule everywhere, which is why they want us less and less."
• "Cubans cannot go around the world imposing their character; one must know how to behave."
• "We leave Cuba and continue with the same vices: shouting, showing disrespect, challenging authority."
• "We must learn to live in society. Not everything is solved with yelling and bravado."
• "The romance between Mexico and Cuba is over. What remains is learning to coexist."

The video has revealed a complex web of emotions, judgments, and social tensions that go beyond the specific incident.

Is this a case of abuse of power or a display of disrespect for the law? A desperate reaction or an unnecessary provocation?

Frequently Asked Questions about the Viral Incident Between a Cuban and a Police Officer in Mexico