Over recent months, the administration of President Donald Trump has been in discussions with Uruguay to make it a new destination for Cubans deported from the United States, as uncovered by an investigation from The New York Times on Wednesday.
The report highlighted that the State Department, led by Secretary Marco Rubio, has been negotiating with Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish a mechanism for relocating Cuban migrants whom Washington cannot or does not wish to send back directly to Cuba. This information was confirmed by officials from both governments who wished to remain anonymous.
The Motivation Behind Choosing Uruguay
Although an eventual agreement might not specifically mention Cubans, they would be the primary group affected by this relocation scheme. The negotiations cater to the interests of both the United States and Uruguay. The White House aims to expand the list of countries open to accepting deported migrants as part of its strategy to expedite removals to third countries.
Conversely, Uruguay sees an opportunity in immigration to address its aging population and labor shortages. Furthermore, as stated by a senior Uruguayan official cited by The New York Times, the Uruguayan government is also looking to strengthen ties with the Trump administration.
Uruguay's Unique Profile
Uruguay stands out from other countries recently used for deportations. With a population of approximately 3.4 million, it has a relatively open immigration policy, a well-established asylum system, and a growing Cuban community. United Nations data indicates that nearly 24,000 Cubans applied for asylum in Uruguay last year, with over 22,000 arriving during 2025.
The Uruguayan Minister of the Interior, Carlos Negro, highlighted the nation's welcoming tradition, noting, "We have a tradition of welcoming people from other countries," reflecting on Uruguay’s historical formation as a nation of immigrants.
Impact on Cuban Migrants
The potential agreement with Uruguay is part of a broader U.S. policy of sending migrants to third countries when direct deportation is not feasible. In March of this year, the Trump administration informed a federal court about having relocated 6,000 Cubans to Mexico, where many struggled to regularize their status and access the job market.
Other Cubans have been sent to Eswatini and South Sudan, where they were held in detention centers, and a journalistic investigation revealed that 19 Cuban citizens were deported to Nicaragua between January 2025 and June 2026.
Some U.S. officials believe that allowing deportees to settle legally in Uruguay would reduce the likelihood of their attempting to return illegally to the United States and prevent their return to Cuba.
Marco Rubio Warns About Cuban Migration
During a recent visit to Manila, Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that the situation in Cuba continues to drive migration. "Mass migration from Cuba is always a risk when countries are deeply destabilized," he told reporters traveling with him.
In recent months, the Trump administration has increased economic pressure on Havana through new sanctions, including measures aimed at restricting oil supplies to the island amid an unprecedented energy and economic crisis.
Simultaneously, Washington has tightened its immigration policy towards Cubans themselves. According to María José Espinosa, executive director of the Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas, around 600,000 Cubans could face deportation proceedings following the closure or tightening of various regularization pathways.
Debate Over U.S. Deportation Policy
Ada Ferrer, a historian at Princeton University, argues that this shift marks a significant departure from the traditional treatment of Cuban migrants in the United States. "There was a time when Cubans weren't pursued because of the Cuban Adjustment Act, but no one is honoring that anymore. If you campaigned on mass deportations, you're going to try to carry out mass deportations. But Cuban Americans thought they would be protected," she said.
Although organizations advocating for migrants' rights question the policy of deporting migrants to third countries, some acknowledge differences between chosen destinations. Yael Schacher, director for the Americas and Europe at Refugees International, noted that compared to options like Eswatini or South Sudan, a Latin American country with functioning asylum institutions represents "the least bad option."
However, settling in Uruguay is not easy for many newcomers. The cost of living is among the highest in South America, and numerous Cubans end up working as delivery drivers, caregivers, or security guards while attempting to regularize their status and build new lives far from the island.
Understanding the U.S.-Uruguay Deportation Deal
Why is the U.S. considering Uruguay for deported Cuban migrants?
The U.S. sees Uruguay as a viable option due to its relatively open immigration policies, established asylum system, and the opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties, while Uruguay benefits from addressing labor shortages and its aging population.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face in Uruguay?
Cuban migrants in Uruguay often face a high cost of living and must find employment in sectors like delivery, caregiving, or security while trying to regularize their immigration status.
What is the current U.S. policy on Cuban migrants?
The current U.S. policy involves deporting migrants to third countries when direct deportation to Cuba is not possible, with tightened immigration regulations and increased economic pressure on Havana.