Cuban Deportations Break Historic Record: 5,286 Expelled Under Trump

Cuban deportations have reached a record figure of 5,286 expelled during Donald Trump’s two presidential terms, marking “the highest figure in U.S. history,” according to data compiled by Café Fuerte. This unprecedented escalation follows a radical shift in Havana’s immigration policy.

The Game-Changing Policy Shift

In February 2026, the Cuban government unexpectedly agreed to accept around 50 deportees with criminal records, altering its decades-long policy of refusing to receive such flights. This decision marks the first time since 1994 that Cuba massively accepts repatriation of citizens with criminal backgrounds.

“Although deportation flights to Cuba have been ongoing for some time, the Cuban government was hesitant to accept mass deportation flights from the United States,” ICE stated in an official release. “However, under the Trump administration, these repatriation flights are occurring in record numbers.”

Latest Cases: Javier and José

The U.S. Border Patrol recently announced the arrest and deportation of two Cubans in Florida, both deemed dangerous criminals due to their extensive criminal histories.

Javier: 18 Convictions for Violence

Javier, labeled as a “violent offender,” accumulated multiple convictions:

• 8 for aggravated burglary
• 5 for assault
• 5 for resisting and obstructing police
• Charges related to cocaine sales near churches or schools

“Border Patrol agents in Marathon have contributed to making the community a safer place by detaining this Cuban national and violent criminal, who received a final removal order in 2018!” emphasized the official statement.

José: 300 Kilograms of Cocaine

José, described as a “dangerous illegal foreign criminal,” admitted to authorities the smuggling of over 300 kg of cocaine from Bimini in the Bahamas to the Florida Keys. His record includes:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distribution of narcotics (marijuana and cocaine)
• Possession of cocaine
• Trafficking in opium and heroin
• 10 years served in federal custody

117 More on March Flight

On March 19, ICE conducted the third deportation flight of Cubans to the island in 2026, returning 117 individuals (89 men and 28 women), according to figures released by Cuba’s Ministry of Interior (Minint).

With this operation, 1,901 Cuban immigrants residing irregularly in the U.S. have been returned to their home country since January 2025.

Why Now?

During previous Republican terms, many Cubans with criminal backgrounds were deported to third countries when Havana refused to receive them. This policy change coincides with:

• Severe energy crisis in Cuba (16-hour daily blackouts)
• 90% oil blockade imposed by Trump
• International pressure on Díaz-Canel’s regime
• 300,000 Cubans in legal limbo awaiting immigration decisions

“During Donald Trump’s second term, an unspecified number of Cuban immigrants with criminal records in the United States were deported to third countries, as the Havana regime was reluctant to take back citizens with criminal backgrounds”, CubaHeadlines reported.

Impact on Families

This escalation has generated devastating family separation. Thousands of Cubans who had lived in the United States for decades have been torn from their families, including cases where minor infractions like driving without a license resulted in deportation.

One documented case shows a Cuban who lost 34 years of life in the United States for driving without a license, subsequently deported to Mexico without documents, left in immigration limbo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Cuba now accepting deportees with criminal backgrounds?

Cuba’s policy change in February 2026 appears related to the severe energy crisis the country faces and international pressure. For the first time since 1994, Havana agreed to accept mass deportation flights that include people with criminal histories.

How many Cubans have been deported in 2026?

Through March 2026, 427 Cubans have been deported so far this year, with 117 on the most recent flight of March 19. The total figure during Trump’s terms reaches 5,286 deportees.

What types of crimes are included in these deportations?

ICE reports that the first flight to Cuba in 2026 included murderers, kidnappers, rapists, drug traffickers, and other criminals. Recent cases include everything from aggravated burglary to massive cocaine trafficking.

How does this affect Cuban families in the United States?

The escalation has resulted in devastating family separation, with 300,000 Cubans in legal limbo awaiting decisions on their cases. Many have lived in the United States for decades and have established families.

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Record deportations reflect a seismic shift in immigration policies affecting both criminals and entire families who have built their lives in the United States for decades.