Cuba releases 51 prisoners after Trump ultimatum

The Cuban government announced the release of 51 political prisoners following a 72-hour ultimatum issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking a decisive moment in the tense relations between the United States and Cuba under the new Trump administration.

Rubio’s ultimatum and Cuba’s response

On March 18th, Marco Rubio, of Cuban origin and now head of U.S. diplomacy, issued an ultimatum demanding the immediate release of 147 political prisoners, including 12 U.S. citizens. The demand was part of what some analysts have called Trump’s “final plan” for Cuba.

The Cuban regime’s response was partial but significant: the release of 51 people imprisoned for protesting against the government, many of them related to the July 11, 2021 demonstrations.

Implications for the Cuban-American community

This release has direct repercussions for the Cuban exile community, especially in Miami, where many families have waited for years for news about their loved ones.

Ana María Rodríguez, a human rights activist in Miami, stated that “while 51 releases are an important step, we cannot forget that nearly 100 political prisoners still remain in Cuban jails.”

Deportations continue

Parallel to these negotiations, deportations of Cubans from the United States have increased. In 2026 alone, 427 Cuban migrants have been deported on nine flights, including the latest on March 19th with 117 people.

This apparent contradiction—negotiating while deporting—illustrates the complexity of Trump’s migration policy toward Cuba.

The crisis context on the island

The release occurs at a moment of profound crisis in Cuba, with:

• National blackouts that have left millions without electricity
• Food and medicine shortages
• Sporadic protests in various provinces
• A free-falling economy

These factors have intensified migration pressure toward the United States, with thousands of Cubans attempting to reach by sea and land.

Limited economic reforms

In addition to releasing political prisoners, the Cuban government announced “limited scope reforms” that would allow Cubans in exile to invest on the island. However, specific details have not been revealed.

Carlos Saladrigas, a Cuban-American businessman, considers that “any reform will be insufficient while there are no real structural changes in the political system.”

Trump’s strategy: maximum pressure

The Trump administration has adopted a “maximum pressure” policy toward Cuba that includes:

1. Mass deportations of Cuban migrants
2. Diplomatic ultimatums with specific deadlines
3. Additional economic threats
4. Demands for purges in political leadership

This strategy seeks, according to official sources, to “end the revolution that Fidel Castro began” more than six decades ago.

Cuban exile reactions

The Cuban community in Miami has shown mixed reactions. While some celebrate any release of political prisoners, others criticize that negotiations might legitimize the regime.

María Elena Tovar, director of the Cuban American National Foundation, declared that “there can be no real normalization while not ALL political prisoners are freed and free elections are allowed.”

Toward a new relationship?

Analysts are divided about the real possibilities of a fundamental change in Cuba-United States relations:

Optimists point out that the release of prisoners is an important first step and that Cuba’s economic crisis may force more concessions.

Skeptics argue that the Cuban regime is only making cosmetic concessions to buy time and economic relief without structural changes.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Who were the 51 released prisoners?

The Cuban government has not provided a complete list, but it’s known that many were arrested during the 11J protests in 2021. It includes demonstrators, independent journalists, and human rights activists.

What happens with the 12 Americans still detained?

Marco Rubio has indicated that the release of U.S. citizens is an absolute priority and that pressure will continue until their complete release.

Will this affect deportations of Cubans?

For now, deportations continue. The release of political prisoners appears to be on a separate track from general migration policy.

How can families verify if their loved ones were released?

Families can contact organizations like Prisoners Defenders or the Cuban American National Foundation, which maintain updated lists of political prisoners.

---

This story is developing. Aroma de Cuba will continue reporting on events related to the Cuban crisis and its implications for the exile community.

Read also:

• Mass deportations of Cubans reach historic record in 2026
• Energy crisis in Cuba: analysis of structural causes
• Marco Rubio as Secretary of State: what it means for Cuba
• Cuban Adjustment under Trump: changes in migration policy
• Remittances to Cuba: new restrictions and alternatives for families