ICE deports 117 Cubans: 2026 total reaches historic levels

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported 117 Cuban migrants on Tuesday, March 19, on a direct flight to José Martí Airport in Havana, bringing the total number of Cuban deportations in 2026 to 427 people, as confirmed by Cuba’s Ministry of Interior (MININT) through its official Facebook page.

Deportation breakdown

The deported group consisted of:

• 89 men
• 28 women
• 3 individuals were handed directly to “investigative agencies” for their alleged involvement in criminal activities

This deportation represents the third mass flight of Cubans from the United States in 2026 so far, marking an unprecedented escalation in the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

Historic numbers under Trump

Cuban deportations have experienced a dramatic increase:

• 427 deported in the first three months of 2026
• 1,784 Cubans deported between January 2025 and February 2026
• Nine flights organized to various countries in the region

These figures represent the highest levels of Cuban deportations recorded in recent decades, reflecting the radical shift in U.S. immigration policy toward the Cuban community.

Energy crisis worsens conditions

Deportees arrive in a Cuba engulfed in a devastating energy crisis:

• 16 hours daily of blackouts on average
• 90% reduction in Venezuelan oil supply due to Trump’s blockade
• 340% increase in dangerous sea crossings to the United States

Shift in migration agreements

For the first time since 1994, Cuba is accepting the repatriation of criminal deportees from the United States, marking a significant change in bilateral migration agreements that traditionally excluded people with serious criminal records.

This change reflects both the diplomatic pressure exerted by the Trump administration and the island’s desperate economic situation.

Impact on families

Human rights organizations report that deportations are causing:

• Prolonged family separations
• Psychological trauma in minors
• Job loss and economic instability for mixed families

María Elena Vázquez, a nursing mother from Tampa, was deported last month leaving behind her 17-month-old U.S. citizen baby, illustrating the cruelty of current policies.

300,000 Cubans in legal limbo

While mass deportations continue, approximately 300,000 Cubans remain in legal limbo in the United States following the suspension of the CHNV humanitarian parole program and the freezing of asylum approvals by USCIS.

These Cubans now face an uncertain future, with 42,000 pending deportation orders and limited legal resources.

FAQ

Why is Cuba accepting criminal deportees now? For the first time since 1994, Cuba accepts the repatriation of people with criminal records due to diplomatic pressure and the economic crisis facing the island.

How many Cubans have been deported in 2026? A total of 427 Cubans have been deported in the first three months of 2026, a record figure that surpasses previous full years.

What happens to Cubans in legal limbo? Approximately 300,000 Cubans remain in the United States without defined legal status after the suspension of the CHNV program and the freeze on asylum approvals.

How does the energy crisis in Cuba affect deportees? Deportees arrive on an island with 16 daily hours of blackouts and a 90% reduction in oil supply, worsening humanitarian conditions.

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Last updated: March 26, 2026