A Cuban woman, recently deported from the United States, shared her experience of arriving back in Cuba on a repatriation flight through a video posted on TikTok. She detailed the events that unfolded at the José Martí International Airport in Havana.
The young woman, identified on TikTok as @aleagaastry0, captioned her video with the words, “What happens at the airport when you arrive in Cuba deported,” which has already garnered thousands of views.
Upon arrival, the flight landed at Terminal 1 of the airport, an area unfamiliar to her. "We were taken aback by the presence of numerous police cars, ambulances, and cameras ready to film. We became quite anxious," she recounted.
Due to inclement weather, the disembarkation process was delayed. Once allowed off the plane, officials began calling out passengers by name. "We were gathered onto a bus and transported to the terminal where the procedures began," she narrated.
The Deportation Process at Havana Airport
Despite initial fears, she described the procedure as “like a regular trip.” Deportees go through immigration and customs, with only those having past issues or unresolved matters with authorities potentially facing difficulties.
“In my case, there were no issues. They informed me that I owed nothing to the country and that I was free to leave Cuba whenever I wished,” she stated.
She was also interviewed by two officials who asked routine questions about her life in the U.S., her employment, and family. "Everything went fairly smoothly; they don’t cause any problems unless you have security issues. If you’re clear and owe nothing to the Cuban government, nothing will happen," she concluded.
Her account adds to the growing number of stories from deported Cubans who express fear and uncertainty upon returning to an island plagued by economic turmoil, political repression, and widespread shortages—factors that drive thousands to emigrate each year.
Understanding the Deportation Process to Cuba
What happens when deported individuals arrive in Cuba?
Deported individuals undergo a process involving immigration and customs checks. Those without legal issues typically face a straightforward procedure.
Are there any complications for deported Cubans at the airport?
Potential complications may arise for those with pending legal issues or unresolved matters with Cuban authorities. Otherwise, the process is generally smooth.
How do deported individuals describe their experience returning to Cuba?
Many deported individuals describe their return with fear and uncertainty due to the prevailing economic and political conditions in Cuba.