ICE Deports 117 Cubans: 2026 Total Reaches Historic Levels

A deportation flight arrived Thursday, March 19, at José Martí International Airport in Havana carrying 117 Cuban migrants deported from the United States, according to official information from Cuba’s Ministry of Interior (MININT).

The group consisted of 89 men and 28 women, raising the total Cuban deportations in 2026 to 427 people across nine flights from various countries in the region.

Unprecedented escalation pattern

This deportation marks the third mass operation of the year under the Trump administration, following the February 9 flight with 170 Cubans and another on February 19 with 116 deportees.

Cuban regime authorities indicated that three of the deportees were transferred to investigative bodies due to their alleged involvement in criminal activities before leaving the country.

“The flight was conducted as part of the existing migration agreements between both countries,” MININT declared through its official Facebook page.

Energy crisis intensifies migration pressures

The deportations occur amid an unprecedented energy crisis in Cuba, with blackouts extending up to 16 hours daily. Trump’s oil blockade has cut 90% of the island’s energy supply.

This situation has led to a 340% increase in maritime crossings by Cubans toward the United States, according to Coast Guard data.

More than 300,000 Cubans are currently in legal limbo in the United States after Trump revoked humanitarian parole and suspended the CBP One program.

Historic shift in migration policy

The February flight marked a historic precedent: it was the first time Cuba accepted deportees with convictions for serious crimes including murder, rape, and drug trafficking, representing a significant change in bilateral migration policy.

Before 2025, Cuba traditionally refused to receive back deportees with serious criminal backgrounds.

Impact on Cuban-American families

The deportations have generated devastating family separations in the Cuban-American community, especially in Florida, where ICE has conducted more than 20,600 arrests since January.

“Each flight means dozens of destroyed families,” explained Mark Prada, an immigration attorney specializing in Cuban cases who represents more than 100,000 stalled cases.

Regional context

Cuba has reported that the total number of people returned in 2026 reaches 427 through nine operations from various countries, indicating that some cases correspond to returns from other regional nations that have not been publicly detailed.

Mexico, Guatemala, and other Central American countries have intensified deportations of Cubans under U.S. pressure, creating a new forced migration route through Tapachula.

Agency response

MININT reiterated its call for travel to be conducted “in a regular, safe, and orderly manner,” warning about risks associated with irregular migration.

However, critics point out that conditions in Cuba have made regular migration practically impossible due to the energy and economic crisis the country is experiencing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Cubans have been deported in 2026? As of March 22, 2026, the United States has deported 427 Cubans across nine flights, with the most recent transporting 117 people on March 19.

Why does Cuba now accept deportees with criminal backgrounds? This change represents a historic modification in migration policy. Cuba traditionally refused to receive deportees with serious crimes, but under economic and political pressure has begun accepting them since February 2026.

What legal options do Cubans in limbo have? More than 300,000 Cubans affected by the revocation of humanitarian parole can pursue federal lawsuits to expedite their residency cases under the Cuban Adjustment Act.

How does the energy crisis affect Cuban migration? Blackouts lasting up to 16 hours daily have created unsustainable conditions, leading to a 340% increase in dangerous maritime crossings toward the United States.

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