Sergio Rodríguez Beristain, a police officer of Cuban descent, has voiced strong criticism against Cuban Americans who backed Trump, despite numerous warnings about potential consequences now threatening thousands of migrants from the island. In a forceful Facebook post, Beristain highlighted that those who supported stricter measures are now witnessing their own family members facing the possibility of arrest and deportation.
"I warned many that this would happen, but they didn't believe me. They called me crazy, said I was a 'snitch' and 'communist'—the favorite insults of Trump supporters," Beristain stated. "Now what are they going to say? I've been sounding the alarm for a while, and those who legalized after entering without permission are being targeted. Don't believe me? Just look at what's happening now... Live and learn. Those who voted for Trump will see their relatives with humanitarian parole and I-220A documents at immediate risk of arrest and deportation," he added.
Beristain also pointed out that Cuban migrants who achieved residency through parole might lose their legal status if their permit is revoked or expires. "Many of these Cubans sold everything and have absolutely nothing to return to. It's sad... very sad," he lamented. "They didn't consider these consequences, and when I warned them, they responded with insults and vulgarity of all kinds. Yet, everyone has the right to choose who they feel best represents them," the officer remarked, emphasizing that even now, some Trump supporters won't admit they were deceived.
He concluded with a quote from the renowned American writer Mark Twain: "It's easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled."
Mixed Reactions Stir Debate
Beristain's comments sparked extensive debate on social media, with some users sharing the officer's concerns while others remained critical. From outrage over human consequences to more spiritual perspectives, some expressed disbelief at witnessing such events in "the land of freedom," while others noted that the situation is "going from bad to worse." Some advocated for faith, claiming that "God will rein in the wildest horse."
Criticism also arose regarding the responsibility of Cuban American political figures. "Where are those who defended these policies so vigorously?" some wondered, while others pointed out, "They are the ones asking for their own people's rights to be stripped away."
Diverse Opinions Emerge
Some comments highlighted that "many rejoiced in others' misfortune" when they managed to regularize their status, and now "they will see how those same measures affect their families." Other critics warned that "the parole was like a path to hell: it let in the oppressor, the criminal, the loafer, without control," though they acknowledged it also allowed entry for "decent and persecuted individuals."
Users also noted that Trump was clear about his promises during his campaign, and "anyone who didn't see it coming was disconnected from reality." Beristain reiterated that "law-abiding, hardworking people will end up paying just like those undesirable ones," denouncing the removal of the Due Process right with the revocation of the I-220A.
While some defended the harsh measures as a "wake-up call to teach the value of freedom," others lamented that "many people have nothing to return to" if deported. The discussion also led to criticisms of the previous immigration system: "The parole became a path for human trafficking and corruption," they argued, warning that the lack of controls facilitated the entry of "criminals and fronts" of the Cuban regime.
Amidst this landscape, uncertainty persists among Cuban migrants affected by the potential for mass deportations and loss of legal status.
Revocation of Humanitarian Parole
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the revocation of humanitarian parole programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, as well as their immediate family members, known as CHNV programs. This decision follows Executive Order 14165 by President Donald Trump, issued on January 20, 2025, which aims to secure the border and end categorical parole programs.
The DHS argues that these programs failed to reduce irregular migration or significantly improve border security, and they increased pressure on local communities, public resources, and the already overwhelmed immigration judicial system. More than 532,000 people entered the United States under these programs between 2022 and 2025. Although legal under the parole provision, the DHS maintains that these mass admissions went against the original spirit of the law, which specifies that such permits should be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Current paroles will be nullified 30 days after the official notice unless the Secretary of Homeland Security decides otherwise for individual cases. Those without another legal basis to remain in the country must leave or face deportation proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions on Deportation Risks and Policy Changes
Why is Officer Beristain criticizing Trump supporters?
Officer Beristain criticizes Trump supporters for ignoring warnings about the consequences of strict immigration policies, which now threaten the deportation of their own families.
What is the impact of revoking the humanitarian parole programs?
Revoking the humanitarian parole programs affects over 532,000 individuals, who may face deportation if they lack alternative legal grounds to stay in the U.S.
What did the DHS cite as reasons for ending these programs?
The DHS cited failure to reduce irregular migration, increased pressure on local communities, and strain on public resources as reasons for ending the parole programs.