Exuan Guzmán, a 31-year-old Cuban from Santo Domingo in Villa Clara province, shared a glimpse into his life in Mexico City through a video on his YouTube channel, revealing the modest apartment he now calls home following his deportation from the United States.
In the video, titled "This Is How I Live After Being Deported," Exuan gives a tour of the humble second-floor apartment he shares with his 23-year-old younger sister, who was already living in Mexico and welcomed him upon his arrival.
One of the highlights for Exuan was reuniting with his sister after seven years apart, as they had left Cuba at different times and lived in separate parts of the island.
As the tour begins, Exuan introduces what he humorously refers to as "his mansion": a living-dining room that doubles as a kitchen, desk, and video editing area, along with a small bathroom and a shared bedroom.
"I still haven't found a space for myself," he admitted, acknowledging the emotional adjustment required after approximately a month in Mexico.
"It's definitely a tough transition to leave where I came from and end up here, but I've been through worse. Life in Cuba isn't exactly a paradise either," Exuan stated.
He also remarked on the contrast between arriving in Mexico from Cuba versus from the United States.
"Coming from Cuba, everything in Mexico seems amazing, but when you arrive from the U.S., it's a tougher adjustment, and you don't realize what you had until it's gone," he explained.
Exuan further showcased communal areas of his building, like the rooftop where residents hang their laundry, emphasizing the daily interactions with other Cubans as a critical part of his adaptation process.
"Cubans are resilient and thrive wherever they go," he reflects thoughtfully in the video.
Throughout the video, Exuan provides insights into his everyday life in the neighborhood, finding familiarity in elements like the corner convenience stores.
Exuan’s story is emblematic of a broader issue affecting thousands of Cubans.
Under the current Trump administration, approximately 6,000 Cubans have been deported to Mexico in the past year, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Most end up in Tapachula, Chiapas, without legal documents or status, facing a legal and social limbo.
Exuan's situation is somewhat different; his sister's presence in Mexico City provided him with immediate shelter and support.
Nevertheless, his experience highlights the material and emotional setbacks of this process.
Despite the challenges, Exuan is determined to rebuild from scratch and candidly share his journey: "I'm just showing you my real process without embellishment."
Acknowledging that his story is not unique, he offers words of encouragement to those in similar situations.
"If you're going through the same thing, you're not alone. Many of us are experiencing this. Regardless of where you're from or where you've returned, we're all in the same boat," he advised.
"Things aren't like before, but this is where I am now, and I believe everything will improve. At least, that's what I want to believe," he concludes.
Understanding Cuban Deportation Experiences
What challenges do deported Cubans face in Mexico?
Deported Cubans often face legal and social limbo, lacking documentation and legal status, and must adapt to new surroundings without prior support networks.
How does Exuan Guzmán's experience differ from other deported Cubans?
Unlike many deported Cubans, Exuan had the advantage of family support in Mexico City, which provided him immediate shelter and a network to lean on.
What impact has the Trump administration had on Cuban deportations?
Under the Trump administration, around 6,000 Cubans have been deported to Mexico in the past year, highlighting a significant increase in deportations.