US Deports 117 Cubans to Havana: 2026 Total Reaches 427

A group of 117 Cuban migrants were sent back to Cuba from the United States on a flight that landed Thursday at Havana’s José Martí International Airport, according to information from the Ministry of Interior (MININT).

Deportation Flight Details

The group consisted of 89 men and 28 women, MININT reported through its official Facebook page. Regime authorities indicated the flight was part of ongoing migration agreements between both countries.

Concerning Detail: Three of the deportees were handed over to investigative bodies for their alleged involvement in criminal activities before leaving the country. This marks a trend of including criminals in deportation flights since Trump resumed power.

With this latest operation, the total number of Cuban migrants deported back to the island in 2026 has reached 427 people, distributed across nine flights from various countries in the region.

Escalating Deportations Under Trump

The numbers reveal an alarming pattern since Donald Trump’s return to the presidency:

February 9: 170 Cubans deported (first 2026 flight)
February 19: 116 Cubans returned
March 19: 117 Cubans (most recent flight)

Between January 2025 and February 2026, the United States has deported 1,784 Cubans on ICE-organized flights, an unprecedented figure in the history of migration relations between both countries.

The Policy Shift

The first 2026 flight marked a milestone by including, for the first time, individuals with convictions for serious crimes like murder, rape, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. Cuba, which traditionally refused to receive deportees with criminal records, now accepts these cases as part of negotiations with the Trump administration.

Migration Crisis Context

This deportation occurs while Cuba experiences its worst energy crisis in decades, with blackouts lasting up to 16 hours daily that have triggered a 340% increase in dangerous sea crossings to Florida.

MININT reiterated its advice to travel in a regular, safe, and orderly manner, highlighting dangers associated with irregular migration. However, the reality on the island pushes thousands toward increasingly dangerous routes.

Impact on Cuban-American Families

Over 300,000 Cubans in the United States find themselves in legal limbo after the revocation of the CHNV humanitarian parole program and restrictions on CBP One under the Trump administration. Deportations are separating families who hoped to regularize their status through the Cuban Adjustment Act.

Migration Agreements Under Strain

The deportations are carried out under migration agreements established in the 1990s, but the current context is completely different:

Unprecedented energy crisis in Cuba
Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy
Oil blockade worsening the humanitarian situation
Acceptance of criminals by Cuba (recent change)

Historical Data

By the end of 2025, the official count under the current U.S. administration had reached 4,883 Cuban migrants deported in 12 flights coordinated with Havana. The 2026 numbers already surpass any previous year.

FAQ: What You Need to Know

Why have deportations of Cubans from the United States increased?

Deportations intensified after Trump’s return to power in January 2025, as part of his “maximum pressure” policy toward the Cuban regime. The administration uses deportations to pressure for regime change on the island.

How many Cubans have been deported in 2026?

As of March 20, 2026, at least 427 Cuban migrants have been deported in nine flights from various countries, with the majority coming from the United States.

What risks do deported Cubans face?

Deportees return to a Cuba in severe energy crisis, with prolonged blackouts, shortages of medicines and food, and a collapsed economy. Some face reprisals for attempting to emigrate.

Does Cuba accept deportees with criminal records?

Yes, since 2026 Cuba accepts deportees with convictions for serious crimes, a significant change in migration policy that facilitates mass deportations from the United States.

Last updated: March 20, 2026

US Deports 117 Cubans to Havana: 2026 Total Reaches 427

Deportation Flight Details