A video posted on the popular Instagram profile Only in Dade has stirred controversy online by showing a group of people camping out in Miami to get their hands on the new iPhone 16. The nighttime queue is led by Cubans, who even have a list with the names of potential buyers of the modern smartphone.
Who is Manuel?
"And who is Manuel?" the organizer of the line is heard saying, while a Cuban woman protests because her name was not correctly written on the list. The video was posted under the title "Here we go again." It has sparked critical comments towards those who stand in long lines to buy the device, questioning why they would do so when it is not a necessity, won't sell out immediately, and can also be purchased online.
One user commented: “These are the same people who live in an efficiency, have no car, and complain about the economy." Another added: “Welcome to 2024 folks, mine arrives tomorrow from the comfort of my home.”
Cuban Practices in Miami
The phenomenon of Cubans standing in lines in Miami is not limited to buying phones. The same scene is observed at locations to obtain a driver's license, where people start camping from the afternoon before to secure a spot. Additionally, some Cubans have turned these queues in Miami into a business opportunity, renting chairs or selling coffee and empanadas to those waiting.
Such scenes have sparked numerous criticisms within the Cuban exile community, who are surprised to see how the newly arrived bring practices from their harsh life in Cuba to an organized and economically powerful country like the United States.