This Thursday, the United States deported 76 unauthorized Cuban migrants—66 men and ten women—who arrived at Havana's José Martí International Airport on a flight from the U.S.
The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) publicized the operation on its social media platforms, describing it as part of the "fulfillment of bilateral migration accords" between Cuba and the U.S.
With this recent flight, the total number of Cubans sent back to the island in the first five months of 2026 has reached 612, spread over 18 operations originating from various countries in the region.
Increased Deportations Under Trump's Leadership
The pace of deportations has notably accelerated under the Trump administration. The first flight of the year touched down on February 9, carrying 170 Cubans—153 men and 17 women—and marked the first in decades to include individuals convicted of serious offenses like murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking, which the regime had historically refused to accept.
A second flight followed on February 19, carrying 116 deportees, bringing the total to 286 individuals in two direct operations from U.S. soil.
Ongoing Return Flights
The third flight on March 19 returned 117 Cuban migrants, while the fourth, on April 16, transported 91 Cubans—76 men and 15 women—raising the cumulative total to 530 across 14 operations.
During the April flight, two of the deportees were immediately taken to investigative bodies for alleged criminal activities committed before leaving Cuba.
Record-Setting Deportations
According to DHS/MININT figures compiled by Café Fuerte, deportations under Trump's second term have reached 1,952 individuals, and 5,337 over both of his terms, setting a record as the U.S. president who has deported the most Cubans.
Impacts of U.S. Deportation Policies
Early in 2026, the migration scenario led to a period of uncertainty when Cubans detained by immigration authorities were sent to the Guantanamo Naval Base while awaiting deportation, leaving them in a migration limbo that lasted for weeks.
These deportations have also highlighted the repercussions for those returning to the island. A Cuban deported on a February flight reported being tortured at Villa Marista upon his return, pointing out the treatment received from regime authorities.
Another Cuban, mistakenly sent back to the island, managed to return to the U.S. over a month later after a federal judge ruled that the government had violated a court order, revealing procedural irregularities.
Meanwhile, MININT consistently frames these operations as part of its "commitment to a regular, safe, and orderly migration" and reiterates in every statement "the danger and life-threatening conditions of illegal departures from the country," a message that starkly contrasts with the reality faced by those fleeing Cuba's economic and political turmoil.
In 2025, the U.S. deported a total of 1,370 Cubans on direct flights to Havana, a figure that the current 2026 pace—612 returnees in just five months—could surpass before the year ends.
Questions About U.S. Deportations of Cubans
How many Cubans have been deported by the U.S. in 2026 so far?
As of now, 612 Cubans have been deported back to the island in 2026.
What are the reasons behind the increased deportations under the Trump administration?
The Trump administration has accelerated deportations as part of its stringent immigration policies, including deporting individuals convicted of serious crimes.
What has been the reaction of Cuban returnees to these deportations?
Some returnees have reported experiencing harsh treatment upon their return, including allegations of torture by regime authorities.