Influencer Stands Up to Cuban Over Anti-Mexican Remarks in U.S.

The immigrant community in the United States is once again embroiled in controversy following a social media clash between influencer Carlos Eduardo Espina and a Cuban national who made derogatory comments about Mexicans. This incident gained widespread attention online when Espina, a social communicator and migration activist, confronted the Cuban after his inflammatory statements comparing the two immigrant communities.

The Cuban individual claimed that Cubans have a greater ability to succeed compared to Mexicans, whom he accused of envying their achievements in America. "Do you know the difference between a Cuban and a Mexican? A Cuban was born to succeed, and a Mexican was born to watch a Cuban succeed," he stated, though his comments lacked substantial evidence.

He further argued that his community has effectively utilized the country's resources to establish themselves economically, contrasting with Mexicans, whom he portrayed as less prosperous. "Do you know what your pain is? That living in the garden of the greatest country in the world, the United States, you are nobody, and we, Cubans, coming from a Third World country like Cuba, arrive here... We are superior to you, who live in a second world country," he continued.

Moreover, he criticized Mexicans by saying, "You criticize Cubans because your pain is that this wonderful country offers us the benefits of legalization, of working as dignified people. That’s why we have taken advantage of these opportunities."

Espina, originally from Montevideo but residing in Texas since the age of five, is a prominent advocate for immigrant rights. He reacted with indignation, asserting that Mexicans not only do not envy Cubans but are deeply proud of their heritage and culture. Espina defended the hard work and ethics of Mexican immigrants in the U.S., emphasizing that despite facing challenges and lacking certain benefits afforded to Cubans, they have thrived and made significant contributions to the nation.

"First of all, my friend," Espina responded, "as the song says, tell whoever is informing you that they are misinforming you. I don't know who told you that Mexicans envy Cubans because that's simply not true. This isn't meant to disrespect Cubans, but I can assure you that I've never met a Mexican who wishes to be Cuban. This isn't against Cuba, but the reality is that Mexico is one of the largest, most beautiful countries in the world. Sure, it has its problems like any other country, but in the end, all Mexicans are proud to be Mexican, which brings me to my second point. You must be shallow to think that Mexicans in the U.S. cannot progress because even Americans will tell you that Mexicans are some of the hardest-working, most honorable, and determined people in the world. That's why Mexicans succeed without the same benefits and assistance," he concluded.

The exchange highlighted tensions within the Hispanic community, where differences in origin and the opportunities afforded to different migrant groups can fuel discord. However, it also underscores the importance of fostering solidarity and mutual respect among Latinos in the United States, rather than fueling divisions that negatively impact the public perception of the immigrant community.

This incident has sparked a lively discussion on social media, with many users supporting the influencer and emphasizing the importance of unity among migrant communities, especially Mexicans who have used the comments section to voice their opinions.

This confrontation reignited a recurring debate on social media about the perception of Cuban immigrants in the United States. In recent months, opinions have been divided on whether Cubans are indeed more successful than other Latino groups or if this perception stems from stereotypes and immigration privileges.

In September 2023, a similar controversy went viral when Espina himself claimed that "many Latinos do not like Cubans in the United States." Recently, a Mexican living in the U.S. sparked controversy after criticizing Cubans who voted for Donald Trump in the last presidential elections.

In a video that quickly went viral, Edán Méndez voiced his discontent with the attitude of some members of the Cuban community in the U.S., particularly those who arrived in the country in the 1980s and 1990s.