In a TikTok video shared by user Michael Robert (@michaelrobert018), two young Cubans voice their worries about the potential mass deportations of immigrants, including Cubans who have emigrated in recent years, by former U.S. President Donald Trump. One of them questions, "If more than two million Cubans have left for other countries and are removed from the ration book, why is there less rice? Where is that rice? If Donald Trump deports all these people back here, where are we going to get an additional 2 million pounds of rice each month? That means 4 million pounds of rice; where's that rice? And what will be left for us? We'll end up eating flour with sweet potatoes."
Their concerns highlight Cuba's severe food crisis. According to official figures, essential food production has plummeted dramatically. For instance, pork production dropped by 93.2% in 2023 compared to 2022, and rice production fell by 85% in the same period.
This dire situation has led to basic goods like rice arriving late and in poor condition in local stores, jeopardizing the population's food security. The young people's concerns in the video also tie into recent immigration policies under the Trump administration. The president has granted new powers to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to expedite the deportation of immigrants under humanitarian parole programs and CBP One, which could potentially affect thousands of Cubans currently residing in the United States.
The combination of an internal food crisis and the potential return of a large number of emigrants raises questions about how the country could cope with a sudden spike in demand for basic foodstuffs, especially when it already struggles to supply its current population.
Impact of Potential Deportations on Cuba's Food Supply
How severe is the food crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a significant food crisis, with essential food production declining sharply. For example, pork production decreased by 93.2% and rice production by 85% from 2022 to 2023.
What are the potential effects of Trump's deportation policies on Cuban immigrants?
Trump's deportation policies, which allow for expedited removal of immigrants under certain programs, could impact thousands of Cuban immigrants currently in the United States, potentially forcing their return to Cuba.
Why is the potential return of emigrants concerning for Cuba?
The return of emigrants could exacerbate Cuba's existing food supply issues, as the country would struggle to meet the increased demand for basic food items like rice, given its already strained resources.