This past Friday, Bahamian authorities conducted their first migrant repatriation operation of 2025, sending back 19 Cuban nationals—comprising 16 men and three women—via José Martí International Airport in Havana. This development was confirmed by Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (Minint) through a social media announcement.
Among those deported, the majority hailed from the province of Ciego de Ávila, though individuals from other areas such as Mayabeque and various central provinces were also included. This operation sets the tone for the year, continuing a trend of repatriating irregular migrants that has become common practice amid the unprecedented migration crisis Cuba has faced since 2021.
Throughout 2024, there were a total of 93 deportation operations from numerous Latin American and Caribbean countries, resulting in 1,384 Cubans being sent back to the island, according to data from the Minint.
Understanding Cuban Migration Repatriations
What is the significance of the Bahamas' repatriation of Cuban migrants?
The repatriation marks the beginning of 2025's operations, continuing a pattern of returning irregular migrants to Cuba amid ongoing migration challenges.
How many Cubans were returned to the island in 2024?
In 2024, 1,384 Cuban migrants were repatriated through 93 different operations from various countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.