The United States government conducted a new repatriation flight to Cuba this Thursday, returning 117 irregular migrants who had attempted to enter US territory without authorization. This group, mostly composed of men and women who left the island in recent months, landed at José Martí International Airport in Havana.

With this operation, the number of Cuban repatriates so far in fiscal year 2026 continues to rise, reflecting the “tough on migration” policy despite the deepening economic and social crisis in Cuba.

Details of the repatriation

According to official sources from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the 117 repatriated individuals were intercepted both at the southern border with Mexico and in attempts to reach the US by sea through the Florida Straits. Most of them did not pass “credible fear” interviews or were processed under immediate deportation orders.

Upon arrival in Havana, Cuban authorities followed standard health and migration protocols. Many of these citizens return to a reality marked by blackouts lasting more than 15 hours, critical food shortages, and inflation that has decimated the purchasing power of the Cuban peso.

An unstoppable exodus

Despite warnings and the deadly dangers of migration routes, the outward flow of Cubans shows no sign of slowing down. In fiscal year 2025 alone, more than 33,000 Cubans were intercepted or processed at US borders, a figure that, while lower than the historic peaks of 2022-2023, remains alarming for the island’s demographics.

The combination of a lack of freedom, the collapse of public services, and the tightening of external sanctions has created a “perfect storm,” pushing the youngest and most productive sectors of the population to seek a future beyond national borders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many Cubans were returned in this latest US flight? There were 117 Cuban citizens intercepted at various border and sea points.

2. What routes are migrants currently using? Many attempt to reach the border with Mexico after flying to countries with visa-free access (such as Nicaragua), while others continue to risk their lives in precarious boats at sea.

3. What happens to Cubans once they are returned to the island? They are processed by Cuban migration authorities and usually return to their places of origin, though they face serious difficulties reintegrating into a crisis-ridden economy.

4. Are there legal pathways to migrate to the US? Yes, programs like Humanitarian Parole, family reunification, and appointments through the CBP One app exist, though demand far exceeds available slots.

How we got here