A Cuban woman with permanent residency in the United States detailed a nerve-wracking incident she experienced with her husband after returning from Cuba. At the Miami International Airport, immigration officials directed her husband to a secondary inspection area, colloquially known among Cubans as "el cuartico."
Yamyjavi Caldes described in a Facebook video how the ordeal began when she and her husband, Javier, deviated from their line of passengers to use the restroom, inadvertently joining a different immigration queue.
From there, they watched as two fellow Cuban travelers from their flight were taken for additional screening, heightening their anxiety.
"We were frightened, even though we are permanent residents. I've been here for nearly five years, and my husband for twelve, but we feared we might be next," she admitted.
When their turn came, an officer inquired about their travel origins, the purpose of their trip, and whether they were carrying any drugs, tobacco, or alcohol.
While Yamyjavi received her passport and residency card promptly, her husband's passport was withheld. An officer filled out a form and summoned another agent, who escorted them to the secondary inspection area, which Yamyjavi voluntarily accompanied her husband to.
The couple feared there might be an issue with Javier's immigration status, but the inspection was surprisingly brief.
The officer only asked Javier where he lived and the last four digits of his Social Security number. Although Javier didn't have the document on hand, he offered to recite the full number from memory.
After about five minutes of computer checks, the officer returned their documents, bidding them farewell with "Welcome to Miami."
Despite the eventual smooth entry into the United States, Yamyjavi wanted to share her story to caution other Cuban residents planning international travel.
"Folks, they're verifying that your residency is in good standing, that you have no issues in the country. They don't care how long you've been here; my husband has been here for 12 years," she explained, based on her understanding of the situation.
She emphasized that travelers should be aware of their immigration status before leaving the U.S., especially if they have pending legal matters or a criminal record.
This experience echoes other accounts by Cubans at Miami airport. In July, influencer La Damosky reported being detained for nearly three hours, subjected to several interrogations, and temporarily deprived of her documents while her travel history was scrutinized.
Similarly, in August 2025, a Cuban resident couple was sent for secondary inspection after returning from Cuba and reportedly received a summons to appear before an immigration judge.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can conduct secondary inspections to verify documents, clarify information, or perform additional checks, even without suspicion of wrongdoing.
Therefore, being sent to "el cuartico" doesn't necessarily indicate an immigration issue or the loss of permanent residency, as Yamyjavi and her husband's experience shows.
Immigration controls at airports and borders continue to create uncertainty for many residents. Stay informed about U.S. immigration matters and know your rights before traveling.
Understanding Secondary Inspection at U.S. Airports
What is a secondary inspection at the airport?
A secondary inspection is an additional screening process conducted by immigration officials to verify documents, clarify information, or perform further checks on travelers entering the United States.
Does being sent to secondary inspection mean there's a problem?
Not necessarily. While it can be stressful, secondary inspection does not automatically indicate an issue with your immigration status. It's a routine part of border security procedures.
How can travelers prepare for secondary inspection?
Travelers should ensure their documents are in order and be aware of their immigration status. It's also helpful to carry essential documents and be prepared to answer questions about your travel and residence.