Cuban dissident Juan Aguado Cuéllar, who crossed the U.S. border in April, is currently detained and facing criminal charges for entering the country illegally. According to a report by Univision, Aguado Cuéllar took this step because "He can't go back to Cuba; if he does, they'll imprison him like an animal," he stated to the media.
The number of Cubans crossing into the United States has plummeted following the border closure decree by the Trump administration. In February 2025, only 150 entries were recorded; of these, 12 were through the Canadian border, 111 via Mexico, and the remainder by sea.
Impact of New Immigration Policies
The recent policies introduced by Trump's administration have significantly tightened border controls, restricting irregular entry routes, leading to a dramatic 93% drop in encounters with Cuban migrants in the early months of 2025. The cessation of programs like the Humanitarian Parole and the CBP One app has further limited options for Cuban migrants. These policies have also increased deportations and restricted legal entry opportunities.
This decline follows a period of high migratory activity during the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, which began on October 1, 2024. Despite the ongoing crisis in Cuba, a key driver for citizens leaving the country, the new U.S. restrictions have severely limited their migration options.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuban Migration to the U.S.
Why did Juan Aguado Cuéllar cross the U.S. border?
Juan Aguado Cuéllar crossed the U.S. border to avoid imprisonment in Cuba, as returning to his home country would likely result in his detention.
How have U.S. immigration policies affected Cuban migrants?
The new immigration policies have tightened border controls and limited irregular entry routes, resulting in a significant decrease in Cuban migrants reaching the U.S.
What has led to the reduction in Cuban border crossings?
The decline in Cuban border crossings is primarily due to the stricter immigration policies imposed by the Trump administration, which have limited entry options and increased deportations.