A Cuban woman living in the United States faced an unpleasant surprise on Christmas Eve when she discovered her car had been stripped of its four wheels. The woman, identified as Leyanet Naranjo (@naranjosleya), took to TikTok to share a video of her vehicle propped up on blocks, expressing her outrage over the incident: “It's one thing to experience it and another to be told about it. Look at this… I have nothing against deporting people, but if it’s someone causing trouble like this, they should be sent away.”
The post quickly gained traction, sparking a heated debate among users. While some empathized with her frustration, others criticized her for suggesting that the thief might be an undocumented immigrant. “If you don’t know who did it, why assume it was an undocumented person?” questioned one follower. However, many supported her anger, sharing similar stories: “There’s no security left in any condo around here.”
Faced with the flood of comments, Leyanet uploaded a second video clarifying the situation. She explained that the car wasn’t hers; it was a replacement vehicle she received after a traffic accident for which she was not at fault. “In my condo, they’re not used to seeing these new cars, and obviously, it caught the eye of all the local troublemakers,” she clarified.
The theft took place on December 24, just as her husband was getting ready for work. “When I woke up and saw what had happened, like anyone else, I was extremely upset. I posted the video to show my disdain for people like that,” she explained. “If they’re not from here, deport them, and if they are from here, send them to Bukele. That was the message.”
Naranjo emphasized that many misunderstood her words and that her comment was not aimed at immigrants, but at criminals. “I imagine those who reacted negatively are related to those who engage in such activities,” she said, referring to those who criticized her in the comments. “The true culprit is not just the one who steals, but also those who justify these actions.”
The incident reignited the discussion about insecurity in various U.S. cities home to thousands of Cubans. In the comments section, many agreed that incidents like this are becoming more common, even in areas deemed safe. “We’re immigrants, but also hardworking people, and it’s infuriating that things like this happen,” one user wrote, echoing the sentiment shared by many who related to the story.
Understanding the Theft Incident in Cuban-American Communities
What happened to Leyanet Naranjo's car?
On Christmas Eve, Leyanet Naranjo discovered that her car had been left without its four wheels, prompting her to express her frustration on TikTok.
How did the public react to Naranjo's video?
The video sparked a heated debate, with some users understanding her frustration while others criticized her for suggesting the thief might be an undocumented immigrant.
Did Leyanet Naranjo clarify her comments?
Yes, she later explained that the car was a rental due to an accident and clarified that her comments were directed at criminals, not immigrants.