A recent arrival of Cuban migrants on the beaches of Cancun has led to their detainment by the National Institute of Migration (INM), where they will spend the holiday season. According to a report by Diario Informativo on December 23, initial information suggested that the group consisted of approximately 30 individuals of Cuban origin, though the exact number remains uncertain.
It was also reported that at least eight of these migrants fled upon reaching the shore, prompting local authorities to initiate a search operation, although no further details were provided about the remaining individuals. An update from Reporte 24Qr indicated that 15 of the rescued migrants, including two women, were discovered in a small raft on Punta Cancun beach and subsequently transferred to immigration facilities.
The emergency services received the alert the previous day, which led to a swift response by the authorities. Despite receiving assistance on site, none of the migrants could provide legal documentation for their stay in Mexico. Consequently, they were placed under custody while the INM determines the appropriate measures to take.
So far, the police have not released additional details, as the procedures depend on the current immigration regulations. Simultaneously, another report by Periodismo Objetivo revealed the discovery of a wooden makeshift boat on Playa Caracol, near the Continental hotel, also in Cancun. Initial reports suggest this vessel also carried undocumented migrants, likely of Cuban descent.
The boat's occupants managed to escape into the hotel area, and while the tourist police launched an operation to locate them, they were unsuccessful. These incidents highlight the increasing number of Cuban migrants arriving in Cancun, a trend that has gained attention in recent years due to the island's ongoing political and economic crisis.
Authorities continue their efforts to find those who escaped and to process those who have been detained. As Cancun and the rest of the world gear up for Christmas and Christmas Eve celebrations, the migrants who made it to Mexico face uncertainty and the challenging circumstances of immigration processes, which have become more visible because of the inherent risks and complexities.
Understanding the Cuban Migrant Situation in Cancun
How many Cuban migrants were detained in Cancun?
Approximately 15 Cuban migrants, including two women, were detained after being found on a small raft at Punta Cancun beach.
What happened to the migrants who fled?
At least eight migrants managed to flee upon reaching the shore, and local authorities are actively searching for them.
What is the current situation for the detained migrants?
The detained migrants are currently in immigration facilities, awaiting the INM's decision on their next steps, as they could not provide legal documentation for staying in Mexico.