The ongoing exodus of Cuban migrants has claimed another victim at the Chile-Bolivia border, specifically in the commune of Colchane, where the body of a man in his 60s was discovered.
According to police reports, the discovery occurred around 8:30 AM on Tuesday in the Pisiga Carpa wetlands, just meters from the Bolivian border. This marks the second death of this kind in June, as reported by Chilean news portal 24 Horas.
The Cuban national, who seemingly attempted to cross the border, was pronounced dead by professionals at the Colchane medical clinic after being alerted by Chile's Carabineros.
While authorities have not disclosed the victim's name, they have stated that an investigation into the cause of death is ongoing, and the body will be transported to the city of Iquique for an autopsy.
For years, the migration of Cubans has included destinations in South and Central America, which serve as pathways to reach the United States or new territories to start anew, away from the economic, political, and social crisis on the island.
In the same region of Colchane, other migrants have also perished due to the harsh conditions of this border crossing, located in the Andean zone at over 3,600 meters above sea level with extreme temperatures.
Three years ago, the body of young Cuban migrant Víctor David Copello Hernández was found between Bolivia and Peru on April 17, 2021. His family launched a GoFundMe campaign to repatriate his body.
This incident adds to the dozens of deaths recorded along the route between Nicaragua and Mexico, which thousands of migrants traverse daily, facing harsh weather, criminal gangs, human trafficking, and accidents, among other challenges.
In February of this year, authorities from the Guatemalan Migration Institute identified nine Cuban migrants who died in a traffic accident at km 134.5 of the Pacific route in Chicacao, Suchitepéquez.
Before that incident, from January 1 to February 5, four incidents were recorded along migration routes where Cuban nationals died in Mexican and Guatemalan territories, according to El Toque.
Recently, the death of another Cuban was reported, this time inside a rented home in the Costa Verde condominium in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico.
Understanding the Cuban Migrant Crisis
The tragic deaths of Cuban migrants along dangerous routes highlight the severe risks they face. Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more insight into this crisis.
Why are Cuban migrants heading to South and Central America?
Cuban migrants often travel to South and Central America as these regions serve as transit routes to the United States or other destinations where they seek to escape the economic, political, and social crisis in Cuba.
What are the main dangers faced by Cuban migrants on these routes?
Cuban migrants face numerous dangers, including extreme weather conditions, high-altitude crossings, criminal gangs, human trafficking, and accidents.
How are the authorities responding to these incidents?
Authorities are investigating the causes of these deaths and, in some cases, transporting the bodies for autopsies. However, the high number of incidents indicates a need for greater support and intervention.