The Cuban Tato Gomez (@tatolicea) moved thousands of people on social media by posting a video on TikTok in which he documents his return to Cuba and the reunion with his family, accompanied by the simple yet profound description: "And I returned."
The material accumulated over 5,400 views and 442 likes in just a few hours, with comments coming in from Mexico, Uruguay, and other countries where Cuban emigrants reside.
The reactions reflected an intense mix of joy and pain. "There are no words to describe such pain or such joy because, in truth, there are so many emotions combined that it can't be articulated," said a user.
Another follower summarized the wait of many with a brief phrase: "It will be my turn soon."
The comment that resonated the most was one that says: "Who is going to pay us for what they did to us?" This phrase encapsulates the sentiment of those who view emigration not as a free choice, but as a direct consequence of the political and economic situation on the island.
Tato Gomez's video is part of a growing trend on TikTok in 2025 and 2026: emigrated Cubans returning to the island and documenting their reunions.
This wave of viral reunions is a direct reflection of the largest migration crisis in Cuba's recent history: between 2021 and 2024, approximately 1.79 million Cubans emigrated, and by the end of 2024, the island had only 9,748,007 inhabitants, nearly 308,000 less than the previous year, according to the National Office of Statistics and Information.
Separations often last between two and four years, although many documented cases exceed five, seven, or even twenty years. Flights to Cuba can cost more than $1,000, making each visit a significant financial effort and further extending the time spent away from loved ones.
In 2025, visits by emigrants to Cuba dropped by 22.6% compared to the previous year: 228,091 returns versus 294,816 in 2024, a figure that highlights how many families are still waiting for that hug that Tato Gomez has already been able to give.
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