The Cuban content creator, Marcos Barrera Martorell, recently sparked conversation with an Instagram video suggesting that for Cubans in the United States, the true adversary isn't the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but rather, other Latinos.
Shot from inside a vehicle and bearing the caption "Had to say it," the video has garnered nearly 50,000 views, over 4,000 likes, and hundreds of comments, sparking fresh debate about the internal tensions within the Hispanic community in the U.S.
The post unleashed a wave of reactions, ranging from humorous to serious, with some comments targeting specific nationalities as the most likely to report an undocumented immigrant.
Numerous followers shared personal stories of discrimination experienced at the hands of fellow Latinos. One user recounted how, upon her Cuban heritage becoming known at work, colleagues began questioning her with comments like, "Do you get food stamps? Do you have residency yet?"
She explained, "Being Cuban and receiving benefits was enough for everyone to turn against me, and they didn't stop until I was gone."
Cuban Adjustment Act: A Source of Contention
This perceived jealousy or resentment among Latino communities towards Cubans in the U.S. is deeply rooted. The Cuban Adjustment Act and other immigration protections have historically provided Cubans with advantages such as expedited residency and access to social programs, causing friction with other immigrant groups lacking such benefits.
This issue isn't new. In March 2025, another Cuban influencer stirred controversy by claiming that "a Cuban was born to progress, and a Mexican was born to watch a Cuban progress." These remarks were publicly challenged by influencer Carlos Eduardo Espina.
In July 2025, Cuban YouTuber Yander Serra criticized settled Cubans in the U.S. who support deportations of new arrivals, labeling them "the worst scum," highlighting that divisions exist even within the Cuban community itself.
Humor and Reflection in Barrera's Content
Marcos Barrera Martorell is no stranger to creating reflective yet humorous content. In October 2024, he released a viral video joking about reasons not to return to Cuba, with the catchphrase that resonated with his followers: "We may be poor, but we're yumas!"
The backdrop of mass deportations under the Trump administration in 2025 and 2026 has exacerbated these tensions, placing Cuban migrants in a precarious position, caught between ICE operations and suspicion from their fellow Latino neighbors.
The question Marcos raises in his video—about who truly poses the greatest threat to Cubans in the U.S.—strikes a chord that, judging by the comments, many have long wanted to express.
Understanding Tensions Within the Latino Community
What is the Cuban Adjustment Act?
The Cuban Adjustment Act is a U.S. law that allows Cuban citizens and their accompanying spouses and children to become lawful permanent residents one year after arriving in the United States, provided they meet certain requirements.
Why is there tension between Cubans and other Latino communities in the U.S.?
Tensions arise due to immigration benefits granted to Cubans, such as expedited residency and social assistance, which are not available to other Latino groups. This disparity can lead to feelings of jealousy and resentment.
How have influencers contributed to this debate?
Influencers have played a role by publicly discussing these issues, sometimes making controversial statements that spark further debate and highlight the existing tensions within the community.