A Cuban migrant was apprehended during a vehicle inspection by members of the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) of Yucatan, Mexico, according to official sources. The Cuban, who was traveling with four Israelis, was in a car operating as a taxi en route to Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo.
The migrants were unable to prove their legal stay in Mexico, leading to their transfer to the facilities of the National Institute of Migration (INM) for further legal proceedings. The report did not specify details about the detained Cuban but clarified that authorities also arrested the driver of the vehicle, a man identified as Ángel Y. H. R., aged 27.
The driver was taken into custody and referred to the State Attorney General's Office (FGE), charged with human trafficking. The police report indicated that Ángel had picked up the migrants in Morelos and was transporting them to Cancun when intercepted by authorities.
Additional Arrests and Risks for Migrants
In another operation conducted on Thursday by members of the Secretariat of Citizen Security of Tizayuca, in the state of Hidalgo, a group of Cubans and Venezuelans without legal documents in Mexico was detained. This highlights the dangers Cubans face on their journey to the United States, exposed to the threats of smuggling gangs and police inspections in the countries they traverse.
With just three months left in the current U.S. fiscal year (FY2024), which began on October 1, a total of 180,925 Cubans have entered the United States through various routes. The statistics show that 11,316 Cubans arrived through the southern border, while only 37 entered through the northern border with Canada. The remaining 6,216 arrived by sea.
Recently, it was announced that the Mexican states of Chiapas and Tabasco would join the regions where migrants can request appointments online to enter the United States via the CBP One application, as stated by U.S. authorities. This measure, implemented by President Joe Biden's administration, could ease the burden on the Mexican government and reduce the risks for individuals attempting to reach Mexico's northern border to seek asylum.
FAQs About Cuban Migrants and Legal Procedures in Mexico
Given the increasing number of Cuban migrants facing legal challenges and dangers in Mexico, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more clarity on the situation.
Why was the Cuban migrant detained in Yucatan?
The Cuban migrant was detained because they could not prove their legal stay in Mexico during a vehicle inspection by the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) of Yucatan.
What happened to the driver of the vehicle?
The driver, identified as Ángel Y. H. R., was arrested and referred to the State Attorney General's Office (FGE) on charges of human trafficking.
What are the risks faced by Cuban migrants on their journey to the U.S.?
Cuban migrants face numerous risks, including exposure to smuggling gangs and police inspections in the countries they pass through, as well as the dangers associated with illegal border crossings.
How many Cubans have entered the U.S. in FY2024?
As of now, 180,925 Cubans have entered the U.S. through various routes, with the majority coming through the southern border.