A total of 232 irregular migrants were flown back to Cuba from the United States this Thursday, in accordance with the bilateral migration agreements between the two nations.
The Cuban Ministry of the Interior (MININT) disclosed via its official Facebook page that the group arrived midday at Havana's José Martí International Airport. This marked the tenth deportation flight from the U.S. this year.
The group included 189 men, 42 women, and one minor. Notably, three individuals were handed over to investigative authorities due to alleged criminal activities before leaving Cuba.
With this operation, the total number of migratory returns to Cuba from various regional countries this year has reached 38, involving 1,376 individuals. Cuban officials reiterated their commitment to promoting safe, legal, and orderly migration. They also warned again about the life-threatening risks associated with illegal departures, especially maritime attempts to reach the U.S.
This deportation of 232 people is one of the largest recorded air repatriations from the United States to Cuba to date.
In September, the U.S. deported 136 Cuban migrants, which was the ninth such operation in 2025. That group consisted of 125 men and 11 women, with four handed over to Cuban authorities for suspected criminal involvement.
In August, a similar flight returned over 180 deported Cubans from the United States, as confirmed by official reports.
The deportation flights resumed in April 2023 under the administration of Joe Biden after being halted for several years. During this period, 21 flights returned 978 individuals to Cuba. The pace of deportations increased significantly with Donald Trump's presidency beginning in January 2025, with ten flights returning 1,231 Cuban migrants from January to November.
Throughout the year, the number of deportees on these flights varied: 119 in January, 104 in February, 60 in March, 82 in April, 130 in May, 89 in June, 118 in July, 161 in August, 136 in September, and 232 in November.
In less than a year, the current U.S. administration has deported more Cubans than the previous administration did in nearly two years, indicating a tougher stance on migration policy and stricter enforcement of bilateral repatriation agreements with Havana.
Understanding U.S. Deportation Policies for Cuban Migrants
Why are Cuban migrants being deported from the United States?
Cuban migrants are deported from the United States in accordance with bilateral agreements between the two countries, which aim to ensure safe, legal, and orderly migration. These agreements allow for the return of individuals who have entered the U.S. irregularly.
How has the U.S. policy on Cuban deportations changed over recent years?
Under the Biden administration, deportation flights were resumed in 2023 after being paused for several years. The deportation rate has increased significantly since Donald Trump took office in 2025, indicating a stricter enforcement of migration policies.
What risks do illegal Cuban migrants face?
Illegal Cuban migrants face life-threatening risks, particularly during maritime crossings to reach the U.S. The Cuban government warns of these dangers and works to promote legal and safe migration practices.