The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced over the weekend the arrest of a Cuban national named Joan Gil, who has been under a deportation order since 2014. However, it’s not just the arrest that’s making headlines, but rather the threatening tone of the message accompanying the official announcement. “Self-deport before we find you — and we WILL FIND YOU,” ICE declared on its official account on the social media platform X, following the arrest by its Phoenix, Arizona office.
According to ICE, Joan Gil had been convicted of transporting methamphetamine for sale, leading to the issuance of a deportation order over a decade ago. “We will ensure his deportation as soon as possible,” stated the agency's communiqué.
So far, no further details have been provided about the actual identity of the person arrested. The name "Joan Gil" could belong to either a man or a woman, adding to the confusion, especially since the shared image is of a woman. This lack of clarity has raised suspicions about the possible wrongful exposure of someone possibly unrelated to the case.
Challenges of Deporting Cubans from the U.S.
This incident is part of a broader and more complex situation. Recent figures from ICE reveal that over 42,000 Cubans in the United States have final deportation orders but have not been removed, largely due to the Cuban regime's refusal to accept them back.
Cuba is listed among the official “recalcitrant” countries—alongside Iran, China, Russia, and Venezuela—due to its reluctance to cooperate with the repatriation of its nationals, forcing the U.S. to seek “alternative solutions,” as seen with recent deportations to South Sudan, a nation in humanitarian crisis.
Despite Havana's lack of cooperation, Cuba has accepted 20 flights, repatriating 676 individuals, including minors and parolees, in the year 2025 alone. On June 18, 89 Cubans were deported back to the island. In certain cases, returnees have been handed over directly to the Cuban Ministry of the Interior's criminal investigation bodies (MININT).
Understanding ICE's Deportation Process
What prompted ICE to arrest Joan Gil?
Joan Gil was arrested by ICE due to a pending deportation order stemming from a conviction for transporting methamphetamine with the intent to sell.
Why are many Cubans with deportation orders still in the U.S.?
Many Cubans remain in the U.S. despite deportation orders because the Cuban government refuses to accept their repatriation, classifying Cuba as a "recalcitrant" country.
How does the U.S. handle deportations to uncooperative countries?
The U.S. seeks alternative solutions for deportations to uncooperative countries, such as arranging deportations to other nations facing humanitarian crises.