Ana Karelia Borrego Machado, a Cuban doctor who recently sought political asylum in the United States, shared the harrowing reasons that turned her life in Cuba into a nightmare, ultimately leading her to leave the country and temporarily separate from two of her children. She hopes to reunite with them someday.
In an interview with Telemundo 51, Borrego explained that she was systematically harassed by the Cuban regime, which labeled her as a dissident and disloyal. "I left Cuba because my life was a nightmare; I was brutally persecuted," she stated.
The Cuban regime identified her as a "disident". They accused her of participating in human rights commissions, which triggered a series of reprisals including constant persecution and harassment by the State Security. This situation forced her to seek support from the independent press, which only intensified the repression, leading to the loss of her job and leaving her unable to provide for her family.
In May 2023, Borrego and one of her three children left Cuba for the Dominican Republic, where she also felt watched. "They would ask me for the time and take a picture of my face," she revealed.
This constant sense of insecurity led her to embark on a perilous journey to the United States with her eldest son in July 2024. After 21 days of travel, they arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border and were detained by authorities on August 9. A few days later, Borrego was released with an electronic ankle monitor and an I-220A document, but her son was sent back to Mexico.
This separation causes her great concern due to the violence in Mexico and because, under new immigration regulations, her son might be denied reentry into the United States for attempting to enter illegally without using the CBP One appointment system as required by law.
Borrego and her son cannot return to Cuba, fearing arrest or further persecution by the regime. The Cuban doctor is awaiting her judicial hearing in the United States and hopes to reunite with her family and find a life of freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ana Karelia Borrego Machado's Case
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the case of Ana Karelia Borrego Machado, a Cuban doctor who sought asylum in the United States.
Why did Ana Karelia Borrego Machado leave Cuba?
Ana Karelia Borrego Machado left Cuba due to systematic harassment and persecution by the Cuban regime, which labeled her as a dissident and disloyal.
What happened to Borrego and her son at the U.S.-Mexico border?
After arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border, Borrego was detained and later released with an electronic ankle monitor and an I-220A document, but her son was sent back to Mexico.
What are Borrego's concerns about her son's situation?
Borrego is worried about her son's safety in Mexico due to violence and fears that new immigration regulations might prevent him from reentering the United States.