Cuban Dissident Faces Deportation Back to Cuba After Being Returned to Mexico from the U.S.

Jorge Cervantes García, a Cuban dissident, is caught in a complex migration ordeal after being deported from the United States to Mexico, now facing the threat of forced return to Cuba. Cervantes García, a former political prisoner and member of the opposition group Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), arrived in the U.S. from Mexico on January 24, seeking political asylum by turning himself in to immigration authorities.

However, the very next day, he was sent back to Reynosa, Mexico, where he was informed of his impending transfer to Tabasco for processing and eventual deportation to Cuba. This decision has sparked concern among Cuban dissidents.

The movement Cuba Primero issued a statement condemning the situation as a "serious injustice." They declared, "From Cuba Primero, we denounce the grave injustice faced by our member and activist Jorge Cervantes García. He arrived in the United States on January 24 seeking protection but was immediately deported to Reynosa on January 25. Now he is being sent to Tabasco to be processed and deported to Cuba, jeopardizing his life."

In addition, the movement urged the international community and human rights advocates to intervene urgently: "We demand immediate action! Jorge has faced retaliation for his fight for Cuba's freedom and needs everyone's support. We call on the international community and human rights defenders to act. We cannot remain silent."

Cuban digital artist Ricky Castillo joined the criticism of how the case has been handled, using Facebook to describe the deportation decision as a direct threat to Cervantes García's life. Castillo highlighted that Cervantes had already been deported three months prior from a prison to Guyana, making him a constant target of the Cuban regime due to his activism.

"This decision endangers his life!" Castillo emphasized, urging international advocacy for justice and protection for the activist.

Meanwhile, Cuban dissident Diosmel Rodríguez called on the international community to widely publicize Cervantes García's ordeal. Cervantes García, a father of two young children, was unexpectedly exiled last September 10. The Cuban Human Rights Observatory (OCDH) reported that authorities escorted him onto a plane without prior warning.

The former political prisoner has been a thorn in the side of the Cuban dictatorship because of his social media activism, frequently becoming a target of State Security with threats and imprisonments.

Since January 20, the administration of Donald Trump has enforced stricter immigration policies, impacting thousands of migrants stranded in Mexico, including many Cubans. The Mexican government, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, has chosen to repatriate affected migrants to their home countries in coordination with involved nations.

President Sheinbaum disclosed in her regular daily press briefing that "Mexico received over 4,000 migrants deported from the U.S. between January 20 and 26, including nationals from other countries."

Regarding Cuba, an agreement has been established to facilitate the return of Cuban migrants stuck due to the new U.S. restrictions. This situation has stirred anxiety among Cuban migrants, who fear facing reprisals upon returning to their homeland.

Human rights organizations have expressed alarm over potential rights violations against these individuals and have urged Mexican and U.S. authorities to reconsider policies that force migrants to return to potentially dangerous environments.