Two families and six individuals, all of Cuban origin, were detained by authorities from the National Institute of Migration (INM) while traveling through Mexico. The INM announced via a statement that the Cubans were part of a group of 84 people intercepted by their agents in the municipality of Cuautitlán Izcalli, in the State of Mexico.
"During the immigration process, nine family units were identified, coming from Ecuador (12); Honduras (4); El Salvador (3); Guatemala (2), and Cuba (2)," the report detailed. Additionally, 57 individuals traveling alone were from China (2); Nepal (28), Jordan (4), India (3), Cuba (6), Venezuela (1), Ecuador (10), and El Salvador (3).
Among the migrants were four unaccompanied minors, "two originating from El Salvador and two from Honduras," the statement noted. They added that "the adults traveling alone were taken to INM facilities, while family units and unaccompanied minors were directed to various shelters under the National System for Integral Family Development (DIF)."
Additional Detentions in Tizayuca
Last Tuesday, during an immigration control operation in the municipality of Tizayuca, in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, 14 foreigners from Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela were detained for not being able to prove their legal status in the country, according to the Tizayuca Citizen Security Secretariat. The statement did not specify the number of Cubans detained during the local authorities' sweep in residential areas and housing units in the municipality.
The governmental department indicated that this control is part of "strategies focused on violence and crime prevention" in the municipality and was carried out "in strict adherence to human rights."
Despite efforts by the Mexican and U.S. governments, migration seems to remain uncontrolled in the region. The economic and political conditions in most countries on the continent drive people to take this risky and dangerous path.
In the case of Cuba, data from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicate that 18,988 Cubans arrived in the United States in the fifth month of the year, mostly through the land border with Mexico. Figures show that 11,466 Cubans crossed the southern U.S. border, while only 31 entered through the northern border with Canada, matching the previous month's figures. The rest, 7,491, arrived by sea.
The total number of encounters with irregular Cuban migrants at U.S. borders increased in May compared to April, when CBP statistics recorded 17,875 arrivals, the lowest in the current fiscal year 2024, which began on October 1st.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Migration
Given the ongoing issues surrounding Cuban migration, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more context and information.
Why are so many Cubans migrating?
Many Cubans are migrating due to poor economic conditions and political instability in Cuba. These factors drive individuals to seek better opportunities abroad, often risking dangerous journeys.
What happens to detained migrants in Mexico?
Detained adults are taken to INM facilities, while family units and unaccompanied minors are directed to shelters under the National System for Integral Family Development (DIF).
How many Cubans arrived in the United States recently?
In the fifth month of the year, 18,988 Cubans arrived in the United States, with the majority crossing the land border with Mexico.