Amaya Alayón, a Cuban living in the United States, recently took to TikTok to recount a nerve-wracking experience she had at the Cuban customs during one of her trips back home. Her story, shared on her account @amayachacha101, detailed the challenges she faced while attempting to bring gifts, including a television, to her family.
Upon reaching the import control with several appliances, Amaya was informed that the television exceeded the permitted limit and could not be allowed through. In a bid to resolve the issue, she suggested to the customs officer that they “play dumb” and accept a small bribe to let the TV pass. However, the official firmly refused.
Frustrated by the refusal, Amaya acted on impulse. As the officer was noting the TV's serial number, she grabbed the device, dropped it to the ground, and completely shattered it. "I got a warning for public disorder," she recounted.
After leaving the airport, still upset, Amaya had a verbal confrontation with her father, who was trying to soothe her. Although she admitted her father was her treasure, the situation was so tense that she said things she later regretted. "I told him, look at me well because this is the last time you'll see me," she confessed, acknowledging her reaction was excessive due to the stress of the situation.
In a follow-up video, Amaya addressed a critical comment questioning why she continued to travel to Cuba. She was blunt: "I keep going because I want to, because I go with my money, not yours, and because I have family there." She also emphasized that no one should justify the treatment Cubans receive at customs. "That dictatorship is the most disgusting thing there is, but no one has the right to treat you badly," she asserted.