Two Cuban migrants have come forward, claiming they were taken to a detention center in El Paso, Texas, with the intention of being deported to Mexico. Maikel Gallo Surera and Ernesto Martínez shared their experiences of being moved from the detention center to the border while speaking to Hispanic media in the United States. They gave an exclusive interview to Univision News as they were transported in a van from El Paso to the Mexican border for deportation.
The two men, who have been living in the U.S. for decades, documented their journey and described their treatment by the officers. "They cannot forcefully remove us; I am a political prisoner," Gallo is heard saying. The Cubans revealed that authorities informed them of their final deportation order. Alongside them were two other Cubans and a Honduran, as they told Univision.
Family Ties and Emotional Pleas
Gallo, married to a U.S. citizen and father to four American children, expressed his distress, stating, "They cannot separate me from my children; they would have to kill me." During the live-streamed journey, he spoke with his wife and was visibly emotional when seeing his children.
As they reached the Ciudad Juárez border crossing, U.S. officials were heard saying, "This is your last chance to be free. If you go to Mexico, you can be free; otherwise, you will remain detained with us." The agents also mentioned the possibility of deportation to Cuba, El Salvador, or Africa, leaving the choice to the detainees.
Ultimately, the agents entered the van, confiscated their phones, and communication was lost. The fate of the two Cubans remains uncertain.
Other Migrant Experiences
In a more recent case, Ángel Luis Meléndez, another Cuban migrant, faced uncertainty after being deported and handed over to Mexican immigration authorities. Despite Mexico's public stance against accepting deportees of other nationalities, he was taken there following the rejection of his political asylum request. His experience highlights a sudden and traumatic process.
Meanwhile, some Cubans, like the couple Lisandra and Wilson, have traded the American dream for a life in Mexico. They now reside in a small space of just over 30 square meters, with basic amenities and gratitude for a new opportunity.
Mexico's Acceptance of Cuban Migrants
In January, the Mexican government announced it would accept Cuban migrants deported by the United States who cannot be sent back to their home country. This policy extends to migrants of other nationalities, such as Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Hondurans. Zaira Carrasco Flores, head of the Representation Office in Chihuahua of the National Institute of Migration (INM), confirmed agreements between the two countries for receiving these migrants, although she did not provide specific figures.
Mexican authorities have set deportation hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Legal Protection Against Deportation to Mexico
The news of Cubans deported from the U.S. ending up in Mexico without a clear legal status raises concerns about legal protection. The migrant community seeks guidance amidst restrictions and the risk of becoming irregular.
Irene Pascual, an immigration law specialist in Mexico, emphasized the importance of examining each case individually before proceeding with any legal actions. Options include regularization through family ties, humanitarian requests, or document revalidation obtained during transit, provided they remain valid. For those lacking such resources, applying for refugee status might be an alternative.
Understanding Cuban Deportation Issues
What challenges do Cuban migrants face in the U.S. regarding deportation?
Cuban migrants often face challenges such as final deportation orders, family separation, and being taken to detention centers with the threat of deportation to countries like Mexico, Cuba, or even Africa.
How can Cuban migrants legally protect themselves from deportation in Mexico?
Legal protection can include regularization through family ties if they have Mexican or resident family members, humanitarian requests, or revalidating documents obtained during their time in Mexico. Applying for refugee status is also an option for those without other resources.