From Mexico, the Cuban Leo Ortíz, identified on TikTok as @elpapi_de_lasmamis, posted a video that has sparked debate within the Cuban migrant community.
In his recording, Ortíz expresses his frustration towards compatriots who participate in the caravans marching from Tapachula to Mexico City to demand the regularization of their immigration status.
He, also a migrant, claims that few Cubans are working to earn respect in the host country, while others, he says, are "ruining it."
"I am Cuban in Mexico, and the work we are doing to ensure that we are seen in a different light is being undermined by a few Cubans... these Cubans who are now in a caravan and all that nonsense, because we have to speak like Cubans, are ruining it," he expressed in his video.
In a direct and colloquial tone, Ortíz reproached those who protest for "wanting to demand without deserving," insisting that Cubans should "stop the foolishness" and earn respect "through work, not through demands."
His message, filled with frustration, reflects a stance that, while shared by some, contrasts sharply with the harsh reality of thousands of Cuban migrants trapped in Mexico.
The other side: the Cuban caravan
While Ortíz's video was circulating on social media, about 1,200 migrants, mostly Cubans, were traveling from Tapachula, Chiapas, towards Mexico City.
The march, organized through WhatsApp groups, aims to pressure the Mexican authorities to expedite the processes for asylum and residency, after months of waiting defined by corruption, precariousness, and discrimination.
Many of them assert that they are not seeking charity, but rather the right to work and live with dignity. Various testimonies collected by local media and international agencies, such as AP, reveal a bleak picture: rents that are impossible to pay, a lack of formal employment, and rising xenophobia.
"Everything is expensive and I can't pay rent. There are no jobs; they don't want to hire you if you don't have papers," said one of the Cuban migrants who joined the march. Others reported that local lawyers charge between 15,000 and 22,000 Mexican pesos to " expedite" procedures with the Commission for Refugee Aid (Comar) or the National Institute of Migration, while their applications remain stalled for months.
Tensions and Rejection in Mexico
The context for migrants has become increasingly hostile. In recent days, Mexican protesters took to the streets in the capital to demand the immediate deportation of the members of the caravan, chanting slogans like “Get out of here, this is not your country!”.
Tensions have been rising as the Mexican government intensifies raids and migrants report abuses by the authorities. Humanitarian organizations like Pueblos Sin Fronteras warned that in some operations "migrants were treated worse than criminals."
In the midst of this scenario, Leo Ortíz's message has been interpreted by some as a voice calling for responsibility and effort, but for others, it is seen as a sign of disconnection from the reality experienced by their compatriots trapped in a collapsed migration system and an increasingly hostile environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Cuban Migrants in Mexico
What is Leo Ortíz's stance on the caravans of Cuban migrants in Mexico?
Leo Ortiz criticizes Cuban migrants participating in caravans demanding immigration regularization in Mexico. According to Ortiz, these migrants should earn respect through hard work instead of making demands. His message has sparked debate within the Cuban community, where some share his views, while others believe he overlooks the harsh reality these migrants face.
Why are Cuban migrants protesting in Mexico?
Cuban migrants are protesting in Mexico to pressure authorities to expedite their asylum and residency processes. They denounce corruption, precariousness, and discrimination in the immigration processes, and they seek the right to work and live with dignity in the country. Many migrants have faced long periods of waiting without responses to their applications, which exacerbates their economic and social situation.
What is the context of the tensions between Cuban migrants and the local population in Mexico?
Tensions between Cuban migrants and the local population in Mexico have increased due to the demonstrations and migrant caravans. Part of the Mexican population is demanding the deportation of migrants, arguing that they pose a burden to the country's social and economic security. Moreover, raids and operations by the authorities have exacerbated the situation, leading to confrontations and reports of inhumane treatment towards migrants.
What alternatives are Cuban migrants seeking in Mexico?
Cuban migrants seek to regularize their status to be able to work and live legally in Mexico. Some have attempted to obtain work visas in other countries such as Canada, Germany, Australia, and Switzerland. However, the tightening of migration policies in the United States has forced many to reconsider their destinations and choose to settle in Mexico.
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