A Cuban TikTok user, @dreisymatanzas, has shared a viral story detailing a distressing experience she faced at Miami Airport after returning from a trip to Cuba. The video, which lasts over seven minutes, has sparked numerous reactions and a lively debate on social media.
In her account, the young woman, known as Dreisy Forte, explains, "I'm here today to tell you what happened when I returned from Cuba. I left for Cuba on July 22 and came back on July 29." She describes being taken to a "little room" where she was interrogated by a U.S. officer and then by a Cuban-American who, she says, made her feel intimidated. Dreisy commented, "I can't explain the mistreatment I faced, because when a Cuban gets a little power, they mistreat their fellow Cubans."
According to Dreisy, the officer persistently questioned her about her reasons for visiting Cuba and whether she was afraid to return to the island. "He asked, 'Aren't you afraid of going to Cuba, aren't you worried about something happening to you there?' I replied, 'I have to go because I have two children in Cuba.'"
The TikToker mentioned that she told the officer her residence status is CU6 and, to her knowledge, those with this status could travel to Cuba without repercussions. She recounted, "He said, 'Well, you're mistaken. It hasn't happened to anyone yet, but it could happen.'"
Dreisy claimed the officer warned her, "I'm going to send you to a judge so you can explain yourself and see if they want to revoke your residency." She added, "Imagine, at that moment, I felt like I wanted to die."
At the end of the video, @dreisymatanzas made a firm decision: "I will no longer travel to Cuba. Unfortunately, I won't go back... my children will have to go to Mexico or another country for me to see them, or wait until God willing they can be here with me."
This account has elicited hundreds of comments on TikTok, with many users sharing similar experiences, while others downplay the immigration process. Phrases like "there's no worse wedge than the one from the same stick," "that's just to scare you," and "become a citizen and forget about that character" are common among the reactions.
@dreisymatanzas is not the only one to share such stories recently. Other Cubans have recounted similar experiences upon returning to the U.S. from the island, amid increasing scrutiny over entry protocols for permanent residents.
The user @heidydiazsosa described being detained at Miami Airport after a three-day trip to Cuba, saying, "They took my phone, asked for my password, went through my bank account, Cash App, photo gallery, chats with my family, they went through everything." She also stated that an officer informed her she would not be able to return to Cuba, and her residency would be flagged in the system.
In contrast, others have reported less rigorous checks. The creator @thalia_hr, who also recently returned from Cuba, said she and nearly all passengers from her flight were taken to a room for data verification but did not face tense interrogations, describing the process as routine.
Beyond personal experiences, there's growing concern within the Cuban community about the legal implications of traveling to the island after obtaining residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act. Attorney Patricia Hernández warned, "Every time a permanent resident leaves the country and reenters, they risk having a CBP officer evaluate their immigration status," noting that frequent trips to Cuba could be seen as contradicting the basis for their immigration benefits.
In one of the most severe reported cases, a couple was summoned to appear before an immigration judge at Miami Airport after making multiple visits to the island in just three years. An officer explained during the process, "A person who crosses the border claiming fear for their life shouldn't return to the country they fled from."
These situations, while not affecting all travelers equally, have raised alarms at a time when U.S. immigration policy shows signs of tightening. With warnings, interrogations, and conflicting testimonies, uncertainty grows for those wanting to maintain family ties with Cuba without jeopardizing their legal status in the United States.
Understanding U.S. Immigration Concerns for Cuban Travelers
What are the risks for Cuban residents traveling back to Cuba?
Cuban permanent residents in the U.S. risk having their immigration status reviewed by CBP officers upon returning from Cuba, which could potentially lead to questions about their residency or even revocation in extreme cases.
Why might Cuban travelers be interrogated upon returning to the U.S.?
Interrogations may occur to ensure compliance with immigration laws and verify the traveler's intent and activities while in Cuba, especially given the political sensitivities and the conditions of the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Can frequent travel to Cuba affect a resident's immigration status?
Yes, frequent trips to Cuba might be interpreted as inconsistent with the reasons for asylum or residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act, potentially impacting their U.S. immigration status.