Cubans in the U.S. Urged to Remember Empathy for Fellow Immigrants

A video featuring Andrés Santiesteban Sánchez, a Cuban residing in the United States, has sparked significant discussion on social media platforms. Andrés voiced his disappointment over the attitudes of some Cubans towards Mexicans amidst the tightening immigration policies under the Trump administration. His remarks have gone viral, garnering thousands of comments and reactions that range from supportive to critical.

"Wow, what's happening is truly sad. I feel indignation and shame for my Cuban compatriots who fail to grasp the reality of the situation," Andrés began in his video, posted on his profile @taino6144, visibly moved. "Even if you become a U.S. citizen, you will never be 'gringo.' And even if you have blue eyes and blonde hair, you will never be Anglo-Saxon. It's a matter of history," he continued, challenging what he perceives as a lack of memory and empathy among some Cuban immigrants.

In his message, Andrés recalled the case of a young Cuban truck driver in Colorado, who faced a 120-year sentence. "Do you remember when the young Cuban had the accident in Colorado? The first ones to support you in the cause of never entering that state with trucks were exactly your Mexican brothers. What indignation, and the saddest part is that many of you seem to have forgotten," he emphasized. With visible emotion, he concluded, "Mexicans, I, Andrés Santiesteban Sánchez, humbly ask for your forgiveness for the aberrations and foolishness many of my compatriots are committing."

Andrés’s message was not just a critique; it was also a plea for unity among Latino communities. "Cuban, remember: when you have problems, you love it when your Latin American brothers help you. Today it is they who are in a quite critical situation, and you're even mocking them. What a shame, what a lack of memory you have," he asserted.

The video has received numerous and varied comments. On one side, many users expressed their support and admiration for Andrés. "My respects to you, sir," wrote a user identified as Juan Carlos. Another person commented, "I am Cuban and 100% agree with you. Today, I am also Mexican." A Mexican user thanked the gesture, saying, "Thanks for reminding us that not everyone thinks the same. We know there are Cubans who support us." Even a user named Ernesto commented, "I am a Cuban Democrat and never Republican. I love and respect my Mexican brothers."

However, there were criticisms and nuances to Andrés's message. Some pointed out that the issue isn't limited to Mexicans and that many Latino communities are being affected by the immigration measures. "This is not just against Mexicans; all Latinos are in the crosshairs," commented a user. Others lamented that Andrés's discourse could create divisions within the Cuban community. "You cannot speak on behalf of everyone. Everyone has their own way of thinking," responded another. Furthermore, some noted factual errors in the narrative, such as the location of the trucker case, which occurred in Colorado and not Arizona.

Among the gathered opinions, several highlighted the need for unity and reflection. A user expressed, "I am Mexican, and while it hurts us that some do not support us, we know not everyone is the same. Thank you for reminding us." Another commented, "A respected Cuban supports their Latin brothers. This is the moment to demonstrate it." Nevertheless, there were also critical voices emphasizing the need for empathy in both directions. "We, Mexicans, have always helped, but we also need respect and support. This should not just be a call to Cubans, but to everyone."

The video's virality occurs at a time when Trump’s immigration policies have generated uncertainty and fear among immigrant communities. From the elimination of humanitarian "Parole" to ICE’s mass raids and deportation flights, these measures have tested the resilience and unity of Latino communities. "This is not just a matter of solidarity, but of survival. Today it's us, tomorrow it could be you," expressed a user identified as Al Enciso.

Andrés Santiesteban Sánchez's message has ignited a necessary debate about empathy and mutual support among Latino communities. His words have provoked both admiration and rejection, but above all, they have sparked a deep reflection on historical memory and the meaning of solidarity in times of adversity.

Impact of Trump's Immigration Policies on Immigrants

President Donald Trump's recent immigration measures have created significant uncertainty within the Latino community in the United States. One of the most controversial decisions includes the revocation of humanitarian parole, leading many to fear for their future, such as a Cuban resident in Miami who, despite voting for Trump, now fears the deportation of his family, who arrived via this program.

The tightening of immigration policy has also triggered massive raids in states like Florida, causing panic among immigrants and affecting key economic sectors such as agriculture and construction. Businesses have reported financial losses due to a shortage of workers, while many migrants prefer not to leave their homes for fear of being detained. The uncertainty about the future has led some business owners to press for immigration reform to maintain the workforce.

According to official data, over 1.4 million immigrants in the U.S. have final deportation orders, and many countries, including Cuba and Venezuela, have been labeled "uncooperative" for refusing to accept their deported citizens. This has complicated the implementation of Trump's measures, as he has warned that there will be no exceptions and has strengthened ICE’s capabilities for expedited removals.

Amid this tension, the White House has delivered a clear message to undocumented immigrants, warning that anyone without documents will face severe consequences. Deportations have extended to any point in the country, with raids even occurring in sensitive places like schools, hospitals, and churches. The implementation of expedited deportations has allowed migrants to be expelled without prior trial, increasing fear in vulnerable communities.

On the other hand, the impact of these policies has been evident in the daily lives of immigrants. A case that has sparked debate on social media is that of a Cuban in Miami who, with humor and anguish, expressed his fear of possible deportation, reflecting the sentiments of thousands who have come to the country seeking better opportunities. The viral video in which he mentions the scarcity in Cuba has generated divided reactions, with some advising not to lose hope and others warning about the difficult situation on the island.

As the Trump administration continues its immigration control strategy, thousands of families live in fear of being separated. Some migrants have opted to seek refuge in Mexico, such as the case of a Cuban mother stranded in Tapachula with her three daughters after the cancellation of the CBP One application. The humanitarian crisis at Mexico's southern border has worsened, and the government of Claudia Sheinbaum has begun deporting migrants back to their countries of origin, including Cubans affected by the new restrictions.