Two Cuban nationals have shared their experiences of a perilous journey to Mexico City, navigating a route dominated by criminal networks that, since 2021, have been offering a $1,500 "travel package" from Cuba to a metro station in the city.
Their accounts, provided to the news outlet MILENIO, reveal a well-organized criminal structure with operations across multiple countries. These operations employ control methods such as identification bracelets, safe houses, and surveillance systems reminiscent of those used by armed groups.
Identified as Juan and María, the migrants explained that their journey began on social media, where advertisements for travel to Nicaragua—an entry point for Cuban migrants heading to Mexico—are rampant. Both purchased this package, though they traveled on different dates.
After boarding a flight operated by Venezuelan airline Conviasa, which took them to Managua, their land journey commenced.
In both Nicaragua and Honduras, Juan and María described well-maintained accommodations: houses in good condition, plentiful food, and mandatory video recordings where they had to confirm their well-being. These recordings were sent to their families via WhatsApp as proof of safety.
The migrants wore plastic wristbands, which criminal groups used to identify and manage their movements.
The Harsh Reality at Borders
With each border crossing, new group leaders took charge, highlighting a synchronized structure between different operators.
"Everything is very well-coordinated," Juan remarked. "It depends on the checkpoints, it depends on the police. They have lookouts monitoring traffic and checkpoint locations. They're very skilled."
Challenges in Guatemala
The journey became intolerable upon reaching Guatemala, where both authorities and criminal groups treated them "like objects," amidst a climate of corruption and dehumanization.
María recounted that the safe houses there were in poor condition, with armed guards preventing any attempts to leave.
The mode of transportation also changed: they went from relatively comfortable transfers to cramped conditions, hidden in old cars, sleeping in places without roofs or bathrooms. They were forbidden from using their phones to avoid radar detection.
Arrival in Mexico City
Upon reaching Chiapas, threats became overtly violent. "If you don’t follow orders, they don’t care and will shoot you," Juan stated.
The final leg of the journey—about 15 hours from Chiapas to the capital—was conducted non-stop.
After 20 days of travel from Cuba, the group was released at a metro station in Mexico City. At this point, their wristbands were removed, marking the end of the "service."
Now settled in Mexico, Juan advised against taking this route to leave Cuba.
"You're risking your life. It's paid for, but you really don't know what fate awaits you. If you do it legally, you'll have open doors in this country," he assured.
Understanding the Migrant Journey from Cuba to Mexico
What is the cost of the travel package from Cuba to Mexico City?
The travel package offered by criminal networks costs $1,500, covering the journey from Cuba to a metro station in Mexico City.
How are migrants identified and controlled during their journey?
Migrants are identified and controlled using plastic wristbands, with operations coordinated by different leaders at each border crossing.
What challenges do migrants face in Guatemala?
In Guatemala, migrants face poor living conditions, dehumanization, and threats from both authorities and criminal groups.