A charter flight carrying 118 Cuban nationals deported from the United States landed at Havana's José Martí International Airport on Thursday. This marks the seventh deportation flight from the U.S. this year, as confirmed by Cuban authorities. Among the deportees were 96 men and 22 women, with three individuals handed over to law enforcement for alleged crimes committed before leaving Cuba.
This July 31st flight, previously announced by journalist Mario J. Pentón, is part of the ongoing bilateral migration agreements between Havana and Washington. It brings the total number of Cubans repatriated in 2025 from various countries in the region to 833, according to the official outlet Cubadebate, amidst increasing tension for Cuban migrants.
Despite the diplomatic freeze and the indefinite suspension of migration talks in April, the Cuban regime continues to accept deportation flights, indicating a minimal level of operational cooperation between the two governments. Cuban officials have reiterated their commitment to a "regular, safe, and orderly" migration process, while warning of the dangers posed by illegal departures, often driven by economic despair, political repression, or lack of prospects on the island.
The deportation occurs under the current administration of Donald Trump, which has significantly toughened its immigration policy since returning to power in January. The removal of humanitarian parole, cancellation of CBP One, and ending the "catch and release" policy at the border have left thousands of Cubans in immigration limbo.
Official statistics indicate that over 42,000 Cubans are under final deportation orders in the U.S., with many either on supervised release or held in detention centers in Louisiana and New Mexico. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acknowledges executing over 185,000 deportations as part of an historic effort to "restore border control." A DHS spokesperson told Martí Noticias that the current immigration policy aims to fulfill President Trump's promise of conducting "the largest deportation in history."
The Human Cost Behind Deportation Flights
Each deportation flight carries more than just numbers—it carries shattered dreams, broken stories, and separated families. Many of those sent back had sold everything, incurred debts, or risked dangerous journeys by sea, through jungles, or via illegal routes, hoping to rebuild their lives outside Cuba.
Returning to a country that may not welcome them warmly, some face stigma, others face legal investigations, and many face the same uncertainties that drove them to emigrate in the first place.
Editor's Note: Initially, Cuba's Ministry of the Interior reported that 134 Cuban citizens—112 men and 22 women—had been returned. However, they later revised the official count down to 118 people. No detailed explanation was provided for the discrepancy in the numbers.
Understanding the Impact of U.S. Deportation Policy on Cuban Nationals
How many deportation flights from the U.S. to Cuba have occurred in 2025?
As of now, there have been seven deportation flights from the United States to Cuba in 2025.
What are the main reasons for the increased number of deportations under the Trump administration?
The Trump administration has tightened immigration policies, eliminating humanitarian parole, canceling CBP One, and ending the "catch and release" policy, which has led to an increase in deportations.
What challenges do deported Cubans face upon returning to the island?
Deported Cubans often face stigma, potential legal investigations, and the same economic and political challenges that originally prompted their emigration.