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Two Cuban migrants reported that they were transferred to a detention center in El Paso, Texas with the aim of deporting them to Mexico.
Maikel Gallo Surera and Ernesto Martínez then showed their transfer from the detention center to the border to be deported while speaking with Hispanic media in the U.S.
The two men talked exclusively with Univision Noticias while being transported in a van from a detention center in El Paso, Texas, to the border with Mexico for deportation.
Cubans who had been in the United States for decades documented their journey and how they were treated by the agents.
"They can't bring us down, they can't force us down, I am a political prisoner," Gallo is heard saying.
The Cubans reported that the authorities told them they had a final deportation order.
They left in a van to the border with two other Cubans and a Honduran, according to what they told Univisión.
Gallo is married to a U.S. citizen and has four citizen children.
"They can't separate me from my children; they have to kill me," she said.
The Cuban, who broadcast the journey live, spoke with his wife before reaching the border and could not hold back his tears upon seeing his children.
Upon arriving at the border crossing in Ciudad Juárez, U.S. officials can be heard telling them: “This is your last chance to be free. If you go to Mexico, you can be free; if not, you will remain detained with us.”
"Or we can deport them to Cuba, El Salvador, or Africa. You choose," the agents are heard saying.
Finally, the agents who were escorting them entered the van, took away their phone, and communication was lost. The fate of the two Cubans is unclear.
Other cases
One of the most recent cases is that of Ángel Luis Meléndez, a Cuban migrant who lived in the United States for four years and is now facing a situation of uncertainty after being deported and handed over to Mexican immigration authorities.
He was taken to Mexico despite the fact that the government of that country has publicly insisted that it has not accepted deportees from other nationalities.
Meléndez's account describes a sudden and traumatic process that began after the rejection of his political asylum application.
Similarly, other Cubans have exchanged the American dream for a Mexican one. For the couple formed by Lisandra and Wilson, life unfolds in just over 30 square meters in Mexico, equipped with a fan, a kitchen, shared beds, and gratitude for a new opportunity.
Mexico accepts Cuban migrants deported from the U.S.
In January, the Government of Mexico announced that it would accept the reception of Cuban migrants deported by the United States, who cannot be sent directly to their country of origin.
This measure is in addition to the acceptance of migrants from other nationalities, such as Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Hondurans.
Zaira Carrasco Flores, head of the Representation Office in Chihuahua of the National Immigration Institute (INM), confirmed the existence of agreements between both countries for the reception of these migrants, although she did not specify exact numbers.
Mexican authorities have set a deportation schedule that runs from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Legal protection against deportation to Mexico
The news about Cubans deported from the United States ending up in Mexican territory without a defined status creates uncertainty about how to protect themselves under the law.
The situation is concerning for the migrant community, which is seeking guidance amid restrictions and the risks of becoming irregular.
According to migration specialist lawyer in Mexico, Irene Pascual, Cubans can take advantage of different legal pathways depending on their specific situation.
The lawyer explained that it is essential to review each case individually before starting any procedures.
Among the options are immigration regularization through family ties —in cases where one has a Mexican spouse or children, or residents—, applications for humanitarian reasons, or the validation of documents obtained during their transit through the country, as long as they remain valid.
For those who do not have these resources, the alternative could be to apply for asylum.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Deportation of Cubans from the United States to Mexico
Why is the United States trying to deport Cubans to Mexico?
The United States has attempted to deport Cubans to Mexico due to agreements between both countries to accept migrants of various nationalities. However, this has sparked controversy, as Mexico has publicly stated that it does not accept deportees from nationalities other than those specified in specific agreements.
What can Cubans deported to Mexico do to protect themselves legally?
Cuban deportees to Mexico can explore various legal avenues for protection. According to attorney Irene Pascual, they can apply for immigration regularization through family ties if they have Mexican relatives, seek asylum for humanitarian reasons, or submit a request for refugee status. It is also important for them to seek legal advice to assess their specific situation.
What is the situation of the Cubans deported in Mexico?
Cuban deportees to Mexico often find themselves in a legal limbo, without a defined status and uncertainty about their future. Some have attempted to regularize their situation, while others face the possibility of being deported to other nations or living in Mexico without proper documentation.
What has the Mexican government said about accepting deported Cubans?
The Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has categorically denied that Mexico has signed an agreement to become a "third safe country" for deportees. However, there are specific agreements in place to accept migrants of certain nationalities, and in January 2025, Mexico announced that it would accept Cuban migrants deported from the United States under certain conditions.
What happens to Cubans once they are deported to Mexico?
Once deported to Mexico, many Cubans face detention for entering without legal status and remain in a state of uncertainty. Some manage to be released after a temporary detention, but many lack valid documentation, complicating their situation and preventing them from regularizing their status or returning to Cuba.
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