Two young Cubans, a 23-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man, were arrested in the department of Canelones, Uruguay, for stealing cartons of eggs from the poultry farm where they worked. The detained individuals—whose identities have not been disclosed—committed the theft at a farm located in the jurisdiction of the 12th Section of San Bautista, in the town of San Antonio.
According to Uruguayan media, the thefts had been occurring over an extended period, making it impossible to quantify the total amount stolen. The stolen eggs were sold at various points in the area. The arrested individuals were sentenced to 12 months of probation for two counts of aggravated theft, one of which was an attempted theft.
Official information did not specify the immigration status of the Cuban pair involved in the theft. In the comments section of the publication, several Uruguayan users called for the deportation of the Cuban couple and expressed regret that they had not taken advantage of the opportunity to improve their lives.
Approximately 62,000 people born outside Uruguay reside in the South American nation, with around 12,000 being Cuban. However, organizations representing Cuban nationals estimate that this number has doubled recently, according to data from the Uruguayan newspaper El País. According to the latest census conducted by the National Institute of Statistics in Uruguay, as of the end of 2023, Cubans made up 20 percent of the migrant population in the country.
Calls for Regularization by Cuban Residents
In January of this year, Cuban residents in Uruguay protested in front of the Executive Tower in Montevideo, demanding that the government facilitate the process for regularization. "No more visas to start the residency process," demanded the protesters, who held signs in front of the President's office. Previously, they had made similar demands in front of the Uruguayan Foreign Ministry, urging the authorities to remove obstacles to obtaining residency in the country.
FAQs on Cuban Residents and Immigration Issues in Uruguay
This section addresses common questions and concerns regarding the situation of Cuban immigrants in Uruguay, focusing on legal issues and community impact.
What crimes were the Cuban individuals arrested for?
They were arrested for two counts of aggravated theft, including one attempted theft, involving the stealing of egg cartons from a poultry farm.
What is the current immigration status of the arrested Cubans?
The official reports did not specify the immigration status of the Cuban pair involved in the theft.
How many Cuban immigrants live in Uruguay?
Approximately 12,000 Cubans reside in Uruguay, although recent estimates suggest this number has doubled.
What were the demands of Cuban residents protesting in Montevideo?
They demanded the removal of visa requirements to initiate the residency process, making it easier for them to gain legal status in Uruguay.