In a recent episode of the YouTube show "From the Presidency," hosted by Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, discussions centered around U.S. deportations and sanctions and their impact on Cuban migration. The program featured former spy Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), and Johana Tablada de la Torre, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX). Both asserted that Washington's policies have encouraged irregular migration and are now punishing those who chose to leave the island under such circumstances.
Tablada de la Torre highlighted the statements of Florida Congressman Carlos Jiménez, who mentioned forthcoming measures and claimed that nothing substantial remains. She argued that this is part of a political game deceiving the population, with many migrants having family agendas and feeling pressured to leave due to these measures.
Hernández Nordelo added that economic sanctions and Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism have led to increased irregular migration. Now, U.S. authorities threaten to deport Cubans who were encouraged to migrate under false pretenses. "What they are doing is completely immoral," emphasized the former Cuban spy.
In another segment of the program, Díaz-Canel pointed out that a "media narrative" has obscured the true effects of the embargo and sanctions on the Cuban people's daily lives. However, he did not address the internal dissatisfaction and structural crisis that have led to a massive exodus of Cubans seeking better opportunities.
"When we explain these issues to people from other countries, they cannot comprehend that a Cuban lives in extreme conditions because of a policy that is genocidal and criminal," asserted Díaz-Canel.
While the Cuban regime blames Washington for the migration crisis, it avoids acknowledging its own role in the economic and political situation driving thousands to flee the country. Official statements ignore the lack of opportunities, political repression, and absence of freedoms that have been crucial factors in the largest wave of migration in decades.
On February 27, Cuba received its first deportation flight from the United States since the Donald Trump administration. A total of 104 Cuban migrants (84 men, 19 women, and one minor) arrived on the island as part of the bilateral repatriation agreements, reinstated following a significant increase in Cuban migration fueled by the internal crisis that the Havana government has been unable to solve.
Recently, the Cuban government expressed its willingness to accept deported migrants from the U.S., provided that the established bilateral agreements are respected. Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasized in a recent interview on the official program "Mesa Redonda" the importance of ensuring regular, safe, and orderly migration, stressing that deportations should be conducted according to agreed terms.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has stated that contact with the Cuban government will occur only when absolutely necessary. "When the United States needs to meet with the Cuban government, we do," was the response in an email sent to Martí Noticias.
Key Questions About Cuban Migration and U.S. Deportations
Why is the Cuban government critical of U.S. deportations?
The Cuban government argues that U.S. deportations are immoral because they punish Cubans who were encouraged to migrate under false pretenses, exacerbated by U.S. policies and sanctions.
What role do U.S. sanctions play in Cuban migration?
U.S. sanctions and Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism have contributed to increased irregular migration, as they exacerbate economic hardships on the island, pushing many to seek better opportunities abroad.
How does the Cuban government plan to handle deported migrants from the U.S.?
The Cuban government has expressed readiness to accept deported migrants from the U.S., provided that the deportations adhere to the bilateral agreements established between the two nations.