The controversial Cuban influencer Cinthya Medrano, better known as La Cintumbare, recently opened up about her deportation from the United States, a situation she navigated with full awareness of its consequences. From the moment U.S. immigration authorities detained her, she was well aware that deportation was inevitable. Understanding that a prolonged detention process could mean months or even years in holding facilities, La Cintumbare told La Familia Cubana that she chose to expedite her departure by deliberately engaging in disruptive behavior to hasten her processing.
"I knew that if ICE detained me, deportation was certain. I always knew it. So, I misbehaved to get deported quickly and avoid being detained for seven, eight months, or even a year," she stated.
The incident leading to her detention occurred on January 11 when she was returning by car from Las Vegas to Houston, Texas. During a routine check at the southern border, authorities found an outstanding deportation order against her. Initially, everything seemed fine, but once her immigration status was confirmed, she was separated from her companion and taken to a border detention facility.
La Cintumbare then faced an intense process. She was first placed in a cell known as "the fishbowl," designated for newly detained migrants, and later moved to a formal immigration center. She was eventually transferred to a jail in Orlando, where she found herself among women accused of serious crimes, a situation she deemed completely unjust. "I'm not a criminal; I shouldn't have been there," she remarked.
At no point did she agree to sign a voluntary deportation, which would have required her to pay for her own return flight. Instead, she insisted that the authorities cover the cost of her deportation, which ultimately happened on a "first-class flight." The influencer spent nearly two months in detention, including transfers and administrative procedures, before finally being deported back to Cuba. Her mental focus and defiant attitude were crucial in enduring the experience. "I always said: 'I'm going home.' I didn't let it break me."
Upon her return to Cuba, her arrival caused a stir at the José Martí International Airport, where many recognized her, leading to chaotic scenes. Since then, La Cintumbare has resumed her career on the island, concentrating on her music and new projects. Her deportation was a result of her failure to attend multiple immigration hearings, leading to a deportation order issued in October 2023.
Since her return, she has expressed optimism and determination on social media to continue her music career, stating her goal is to "fill stadiums in Cuba." Meanwhile, she continues to stir controversy with her statements and lifestyle, both in the U.S. and Cuba. On her social media platforms, she has responded to criticism with bold messages, asserting that she is happy in her country and that her life remains fulfilling despite the circumstances.
Details on La Cintumbare's Deportation
Why was La Cintumbare deported from the United States?
She was deported due to her failure to attend multiple immigration hearings, resulting in a deportation order issued in October 2023.
How did La Cintumbare expedite her deportation process?
She engaged in disruptive behavior to force a quicker processing and deportation, avoiding a lengthy detention period.
What was La Cintumbare's experience during detention?
She spent nearly two months in detention, including time in a facility known as "the fishbowl" and a jail in Orlando, where she was held with women accused of serious crimes.