Lietty Piña, a Cuban woman, recently shared on social media the arduous journey she undertook to leave Cuba and settle in Mexico, where she now resides. In a TikTok video, she detailed each step of her journey, highlighting the challenges and dangers she faced. According to her account on her profile @liettypi, her adventure began with a direct flight from Cuba to Nicaragua, taking advantage of the fact that the Central American nation does not require a visa from Cubans. "Applying for a visa in Cuba is a major hassle," she explained. From Nicaragua, she embarked on a land journey through Honduras and Guatemala, traveling long distances by bus, motorcycles, and on foot.
One of the most harrowing moments in her journey occurred in Guatemala, where she was detained along with other migrants. As she recounted, the individual to whom she had paid for the journey had not made the necessary payments to the smugglers transporting them. "We were held captive there... it's a tough part to talk about, but we were stuck for days," she murmured, careful not to draw unwanted attention on the platform.
Social Media Reactions
Lietty's story attracted hundreds of comments on TikTok, with many users praising her bravery and offering welcoming messages to Mexico. "Welcome to Mexico, we embrace you," wrote one user, while another commented, "Welcome Cuban sister, feel at home in Mexico."
Others, however, questioned the cost of her journey and how she managed to afford it, as this was a common query among the comments. "Where did you get the money if there's no work in Cuba? That sounds very suspicious," one user wrote. In response, another commented, "Why not save, sell something, or borrow money?"
The Cuban Exodus to Mexico
Lietty's experience is part of a larger trend of Cuban migration to Mexico. In recent years, Mexico has transitioned from being merely a transit country to a final destination for many migrants, as tighter restrictions make entry to the United States increasingly difficult.
The revamped U.S. immigration policy, under Donald Trump's renewed leadership, has led thousands of migrants to reconsider their plans of reaching the U.S. and choose to settle in Mexico instead. According to data from the National Migration Institute (INM), between 2019 and 2025, 6.3 million migrants decided to remain in Mexico, including a significant number of Cubans.
Among these migrants, a Cuban interviewed by the Excélsior newspaper stated, "I aim for a better situation because the situation in my country won't change; it's getting worse."
The Mexican government announced it would accept Cuban migrants deported from the U.S. as part of an agreement that also includes Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Hondurans. President Claudia Sheinbaum has mentioned that her administration will provide "humanitarian assistance" to those who cannot continue to the north, while also facilitating the repatriation of stranded migrants.
The discussion about migrants' permanence in Mexico has been addressed by content creators like Cuban Michel Crónicas, who recently sent a message on TikTok to his fellow Cubans stranded at the U.S. border. "I know many dreamed of reaching the United States, but current immigration laws make it almost impossible. However, you're in Mexico, a country that opens its doors and where other dreams can come true. Don't see Mexico as a second choice; see it as your new home."
His stance has sparked both support and controversy. While some Mexicans have shown support for Cubans seeking a new life in the country, others have voiced concerns about Mexico's capacity to handle large-scale migration, pointing out the lack of jobs and resources.
Lietty, meanwhile, has shared her experiences as a Cuban in Mexico on social media, comparing the availability of basic goods between the two countries. In another video, she reflected on how items like toilet paper, Coca-Cola, and clothing, common in Mexico, are considered unattainable luxuries for many in Cuba.
Lietty's journey exemplifies the plight of many Cubans who, facing economic and political hardships on the island, choose to embark on a perilous journey in hopes of a better life.
FAQs about Cuban Migration to Mexico
Why do many Cubans choose to migrate to Mexico instead of the U.S.?
Due to tighter U.S. immigration policies, many Cubans find it increasingly difficult to enter the United States and opt to settle in Mexico, which has become a more accessible destination.
What challenges do Cuban migrants face during their journey?
Cuban migrants often face significant risks, including detention, extortion, and dangerous travel conditions, as they journey through Central America to reach Mexico.
How does Mexico handle the influx of Cuban migrants?
The Mexican government has committed to accepting Cuban migrants deported from the U.S. and offers humanitarian assistance, while also working on repatriating those stranded in the country.