The United States Coast Guard (USCG) repatriated 41 Cuban migrants on Friday, including a former officer of the Cuban Armed Forces (FAR), who is now detained in the 100 y Aldabó prison in Havana. Roxanna Pérez Rodríguez, 27, who held the rank of first lieutenant in the FAR, had previously requested her discharge from the Ministry.
On June 6, Pérez submitted a brief resignation letter to the officer in charge at Military Unit 2133, expressing her "disappointment" and stating she could no longer "perform her duties correctly." She cited economic hardships that prevented her from simultaneously taking care of her family and fulfilling her job responsibilities.
In the letter, accessed by Click-Cuba, Pérez criticized the treatment she and her colleagues received as FAR officers, describing it as unsatisfactory and below her expectations. She also mentioned that her maternal sisters had already left the country and that her mother planned to emigrate soon, further motivating her decision to leave military service to reunite with her family outside Cuba.
At the time, Pérez was serving a 10-month restriction that confined her movements between home and work due to a romantic relationship with a Cuban-American citizen. Family members were concerned about her potential deportation and its repercussions once they learned about her detention by the USCG. This concern materialized on Friday when she was returned to Cuba along with Yariel Duarte Rodríguez and Yohandra Miranda, who had set sail with her on August 15.
According to the profile La Tijera, Pérez managed to contact her family upon returning to Cuban soil. Cuban police and State Security informed her relatives that they could bring her hygiene supplies, hinting that her detention would be prolonged.
Upon their return, the migrants received medical attention for dehydration and exhaustion, common symptoms for those exposed to harsh maritime conditions for extended periods. Despite warnings and the risk of deportation, Cubans continue to attempt perilous journeys to the United States or Mexico amid the ongoing Cuban migration crisis.
Understanding the Repatriation and Detention of Cuban Migrants
In light of the recent repatriation and detention of Cuban migrants, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to provide further clarity on this issue.
Why was Roxanna Pérez Rodríguez detained upon her return to Cuba?
Roxanna Pérez Rodríguez was detained because she had previously resigned from her position in the Cuban Armed Forces and was involved in a relationship with a Cuban-American citizen, leading to a 10-month restriction on her movements.
What were the conditions of the migrants upon their return to Cuba?
The repatriated migrants, including Pérez, were found to be dehydrated and exhausted, which are common symptoms for individuals exposed to harsh maritime conditions for prolonged periods.
What motivates Cubans to undertake dangerous journeys to the U.S. or Mexico?
Many Cubans are driven by economic hardship, lack of opportunities, and the desire to reunite with family members who have already emigrated. Despite the risks, these factors push many to attempt perilous journeys.