Cinthya Medrano García, the Cuban influencer who goes by the online moniker "La Cintumbare," was deported back to Cuba on Thursday after spending several weeks detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Initially verified by her manager via an Instagram video, this deportation marked the first under Donald Trump's administration during his second term. Later, Cinthya herself took to social media, expressing a determined and hopeful attitude, hinting at a comeback.
"Thank you to all my followers for your beautiful messages of support, I love you with my life. I'll be enjoying time with my child and family, whom I haven't seen in four years, but I'll be back with you soon," she wrote. "We lost a battle, not the war. Remember, the arrow must retreat to advance. In 2025, the streets are mine. Just be ready for a new woman," she concluded, signing off as "THE BOSS." A subsequent Instagram story depicted her affectionately with her son.
Digital portal Cubanos por el Mundo shared an Instagram image purportedly showing La Cintumbare chatting with a neighbor. Medrano was part of a group of 104 irregular migrants returned to the island via a flight landing at Havana's José Martí International Airport. Her return occurred amidst the U.S.'s strengthened immigration policies aimed at tightening control over irregular migrants from Cuba and other nations. As reported by journalist Mario Pentón of Martí Noticias, Medrano's deportation was complicated by irregularities in her immigration status.
Immigration Challenges and Legal Troubles
Although she claimed on social media to have a conditional release (I-220A), official documents revealed her entry into the U.S. on parole on June 7, 2022. Her situation worsened after missing three immigration hearings, prompting a judge to issue a deportation order in October 2023.
Controversial Detention of "La Cintumbare"
Residing in Houston, Texas, Medrano was arrested by ICE agents in January. During her detention, she acknowledged a "98% chance" of deportation in a phone call, which eventually came to pass. Known for her candid and controversial style on social media, Medrano stated she wouldn't return to Cuba unless "dragged."
In one of her more contentious messages, she urged followers to send helicopters and planes to prevent her deportation. She also reached out to Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, asking for intervention to stop her deportation, claiming that she was persona non grata in Cuba and had made enemies in the U.S. on his account.
"They're waiting for you to sign my deportation. Tell the Americans you're against me going to Cuba because I'm not welcome in your country. I need you to use your connections because I've made enemies for your sake in the U.S., and now it's your turn to help me," Medrano stated in a video from immigration detention.
Media Disputes and Public Perception
During her time in the U.S., "La Cintumbare" was involved in numerous media feuds, including a defamation lawsuit from singer "La Diosa," following disparaging remarks about the artist's family. Furthermore, she gained notoriety by declaring she had no intention of working in the U.S. and preferred living off government aid.
U.S. Immigration Policies and Cuban Deportations
La Cintumbare's deportation aligns with the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies. Official reports highlight that over 42,000 Cubans in the U.S. have final deportation orders, yet the Cuban government's reluctance to accept them has delayed enforcement. Prior to Thursday's flight, the last occurred on December 19, when ICE deported 42 Cubans who had entered the country illegally.
Under the Biden Administration, there were 42 deportation flights, returning a total of 978 Cubans to the island.
Key Information about La Cintumbare's Deportation
Who is Cinthya Medrano García?
Cinthya Medrano García, also known as "La Cintumbare," is a Cuban influencer known for her bold and controversial social media presence.
Why was La Cintumbare deported from the U.S.?
La Cintumbare was deported due to irregularities in her immigration status, including missed immigration hearings, which led to a deportation order by an immigration judge.
What controversies surrounded La Cintumbare in the U.S.?
La Cintumbare was involved in several controversies, including a defamation lawsuit and controversial statements about not wanting to work in the U.S. and living off government aid.