Jardiel González, the Cuban comedian famously known as "El Flaco de Cuba," shared a frustrating travel experience on Instagram this past Friday. During a layover at Miami International Airport, he was detained and interrogated, causing him to miss his connecting flight to Punta Cana.
González, who was traveling from Havana to Punta Cana with a stop in Miami, was singled out by immigration officials and taken aside from other passengers.
“I was taken into a little room here in Miami; the flight was supposed to go to Punta Cana. They put me in a small room to question me, to ask me things, an investigation," he recounted in a video. He speculated, “I imagine it’s because I'm Cuban, with the passport, visa, and all that stuff.”
Due to this detainment, Jardiel was unable to catch his connecting flight on Friday and had to spend the night in Miami.
The airline rescheduled his flight for the following day, Saturday, which disrupted his plans. He had an engagement to perform at an event called "el Balsarao" in Punta Cana, originally set for that Saturday, August 1st.
Despite the ordeal, Jardiel maintained his comedic flair throughout his account, joking about the chilly air conditioning in the interrogation room and his own slender frame. "What a way to shiver, it’s so cold here. I guess I’m just used to the 40-degree heat of Marianao," he laughed.
Increased Scrutiny for Cuban Travelers
This incident occurs amid heightened scrutiny of Cuban travelers at Miami airport. Cuban influencer La Damosky reported a similar experience on July 24, detailing a nearly three-hour detention upon her arrival from the Dominican Republic, during which her passport and phones were confiscated.
Earlier this year in March, at least 16 activists from the Convoy Nuestra América were questioned in Miami after returning from Cuba, with phones and computers being inspected. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has described these actions as "routine secondary inspections."
Jardiel, a former member of the comedy group Punto y Coma, left Cuba in January 2025 and returned to Miami in October of the same year after a seven-year absence, where he was reunited with his daughter.
Unfazed by the setback, Jardiel concluded his video with a positive outlook: “Everything flows better if you laugh.”
Following his unexpected stay in Miami, Jardiel faces a busy schedule with performances lined up in Italy, Zaragoza, Madrid, Tarragona, Valencia, and Panama throughout August and September.
Understanding Cuban Travel Challenges
Why was Jardiel González detained in Miami?
Jardiel González was detained for questioning by immigration officials during a layover in Miami, which he speculated was due to being Cuban.
What impact did the detainment have on Jardiel's travel plans?
The detainment caused Jardiel to miss his connecting flight to Punta Cana, forcing him to stay overnight in Miami and reschedule his performance at "el Balsarao."