In June, U.S. immigration courts issued deportation orders for 1,642 Cubans, according to data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University, which was made public on July 21.
This figure marks a 5% increase compared to the 1,560 orders recorded in March.
In Florida alone, a total of 5,415 deportation orders were issued that month, reflecting an 18% rise from March.
Record Number of Cases Closed Nationwide
The statistics are part of an unprecedented national scenario: in June, immigration judges closed 100,773 cases, the highest monthly total ever recorded, with 78,882 resulting in deportation orders.
Only 1,883 immigrants, which accounts for 1.9% of the cases concluded that month, were granted permission to stay in the United States.
While having a deportation order doesn't necessarily mean immediate expulsion, these 78,882 new orders represent a significant 30% increase.
Differing Trends Among Nationalities
When comparing nationalities, notable differences emerge. Haitians received 1,550 deportation orders, marking a 96% surge since March, whereas Venezuelans saw 10,939 orders, a 39% increase.
In this context, the 5% increase for Cubans appears relatively moderate.
The Strategy Behind Deportation Orders in Absence
One of the most concerning aspects of the report is that 68% of those who received deportation orders in June were not present at their hearings.
This is largely due to the "mega hearings" strategy, initiated by the Trump administration at the end of May. These sessions bring together groups of 30 to over 100 immigrants before a single judge in one day, often with very short notice, sometimes just a day in advance.
According to analysis by Joseph Gunther, creator of data platform bklg.org, and Brandon Marrow, a developer of a method for quantification through FOIA requests, June saw 53,808 deportation orders issued in absence, a 55% increase from the 34,725 recorded in May.
Marrow commented, "These large blocks of hearings were scheduled with unusually short notice; it seems the government implemented them to generate mass deportation orders in absence."
The report notes several reasons for immigrants missing their hearings, including frequent errors in Notices to Appear: incorrect addresses, documents lacking dates or times, or summonses that never reached the intended recipients.
Fiscal Year Developments
From October 1, 2025, when the fiscal year began, through June 2026, Florida courts issued 4,007 orders against Cubans, making Cuba the fourth most affected nationality in Florida, following Guatemala, Venezuela, and Honduras.
Overall, approximately 35,300 deportation orders were issued in the Sunshine State.
These figures reflect the decisions of immigration judges but do not necessarily indicate that all individuals have been deported. The execution of deportations is the responsibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while judicial processes are managed by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), part of the Department of Justice.
For Cubans, the 4,007 orders underscore the direct impact of stricter immigration policies in Florida, a primary destination for the Cuban community in the U.S.
Escalation of Arrests
This judicial landscape coincides with a rise in physical arrests. In June, ICE detained 39,563 immigrants, and Customs and Border Protection arrested an additional 3,575, totaling 43,138 — the highest monthly record under Trump's second term.
As of July, the daily arrest rate averages 1,593, potentially leading to around 50,000 detentions for the month.
Florida ranks fifth nationally in terms of detained immigrants, with 3,934 individuals in custody. About a quarter of these are held at the Baker County Detention Center, known as the Deportation Center.
Miami-Dade has the most pending immigration cases of any U.S. jurisdiction, with 137,373 unresolved files.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Deportation Orders
What is the significance of the increase in deportation orders for Cubans?
The increase highlights the impact of U.S. immigration policies, as Cubans face more stringent measures, reflecting broader national trends in deportation practices.
How do "mega hearings" contribute to deportation orders?
"Mega hearings" group large numbers of immigrants for rapid adjudication, often with little notice, leading to a higher number of deportation orders issued in absence.
What challenges do immigrants face with Notices to Appear?
Immigrants often encounter errors such as incorrect addresses or missing details, which can prevent them from attending their hearings and result in deportation orders.