The Cuban government received a total of 48 deported Cubans this Tuesday, including 43 men and five women, on a flight from the United States. Among this group, seven had left the island illegally by sea, while the majority had initially departed legally before joining irregular routes to reach the U.S. border, according to a statement from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) cited by Prensa Latina.
The official information specified that one of the returned Cubans was detained upon arrival because he was wanted by the island's justice authorities.
With this flight on August 27, the number of Cubans returned in 65 operations so far in 2024 has reached 1,030, from various countries in the region.
Since the beginning of the year, Cubans have also been deported on commercial flights from the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic, among other countries.
Deportation flights between the U.S. and Cuba, which were suspended in December 2020, resumed in April 2023 following negotiations to address the migration crisis.
The previous deportation flight took place on July 18, when a group of 54 irregular migrants, consisting of 40 men and 14 women, was returned to Cuba.
On June 20, another group of irregular migrants was returned to Cuba by air from the United States. On that occasion, there were 56 Cubans (12 women and 44 men).
In recent weeks, several cases have been reported of Cubans with I-220B who have been detained by U.S. authorities during their immigration appointments with ICE.
Understanding the Recent Deportations of Cuban Migrants
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent deportations of Cuban migrants and their implications.
Why were the deportation flights between the U.S. and Cuba suspended in December 2020?
The deportation flights were suspended due to diplomatic tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted international travel and migration policies.
What is an I-220B?
An I-220B is an immigration form used by U.S. authorities to release individuals from detention under supervision while their immigration cases are processed.
How many Cubans have been deported in 2024 so far?
As of the end of August 2024, a total of 1,030 Cubans have been deported in 65 operations from various countries in the region.