Cuba Condemns U.S. Deportation of Migrants to Third Countries

Cuba Criticizes U.S. Deportations to Third Countries

Cuba has voiced strong disapproval of the United States’ practice of deporting Cuban migrants to countries other than their homelands. Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío accused the U.S. administration of sending dozens of Cubans abroad and holding others indefinitely without clear charges. These allegations highlight a growing concern over migration policies and their impact on individuals and families.

The diplomat stated that some deportees were separated from their relatives and left without support. He also pointed out that detained migrants and their families are experiencing prolonged periods of uncertainty. Fernández de Cossío specifically mentioned that some individuals are imprisoned without specific charges, causing significant distress to them and their families.

Documented Cases of Deportation to African Nations

While Fernández de Cossío did not provide exact numbers or a specific timeframe for the deportations he condemned, separate cases illustrate the reality of Cubans being sent to African countries. For instance, eight Cuban women, along with individuals from Peru and Venezuela, were flown to Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic. These women reported difficulties with communication and poor living conditions upon arrival.

Another documented case involves Cuban national Roberto Mosquera, who was reportedly sent to a correctional facility in Eswatini. Additionally, Noslén Sendra, a Cuban detainee with serious health conditions like diabetes and acute pancreatitis, was informed of a potential transfer to Africa after Mexico declined to accept him. This notice indicated a possible removal, but it was not a confirmation of his deportation.

An spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) denied allegations of deporting sick detainees, stating that all detainees receive medical clearance before travel. This statement was made in response to separate coverage concerning medical issues, not directly addressing Cuba’s condemnation.

Scale of Deportations and Policy Disagreements

The term “dozens” used by Fernández de Cossío refers to Cubans sent to third countries, not exclusively to Africa, and he did not specify when these deportations occurred. This lack of precise data makes it difficult to establish an exact total number of Cubans affected.

To provide context, between January 20, 2025, and August 31, 2026, the United States deported a total of 25,447 individuals to countries other than their birthplaces. This figure includes people of various nationalities, not just Cubans. Data from Human Rights Watch indicates that over 500 people were sent to African countries that were not their native countries during the same period. The U.S. has agreements with 35 foreign governments, including 19 in Africa, for such deportations, with approximately $410 million allocated for related expenses.

Cuba’s argument also centers on migration policy. Fernández de Cossío attributed the irregular status of migrants to actions and policies of U.S. authorities. Cuba maintains that its return agreement with the United States specifically covers migrants who arrive by sea. However, current U.S. policy, according to Cuba, extends to removals to third countries that have no connection to Cuba. Cuban authorities have also noted a significant increase in Cuban arrivals in the U.S., with 33,056 arrivals in fiscal year 2025 compared to 217,615 in fiscal year 2024. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez has also criticized U.S. practices such as raids, restraints, family separations, and the stigmatization of Cuban migrants.

Legal Challenges to Third-Country Removals

The U.S. Supreme Court has permitted the government to continue certain third-country deportations while legal challenges to the policy are ongoing. This temporary allowance does not represent a final decision on the legality of the policy. The Supreme Court has scheduled full oral arguments for December 9 to consider the matter further. A separate case in Minnesota, where Judge Jeffrey M. Bryan ordered the return of a Nicaraguan man from the Central African Republic, does not resolve the broader dispute. The Supreme Court’s hearing on December 9 is the next significant step in the legal challenge to these deportation policies.

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