After numerous attempts to settle in the United States, Liexer De La Cruz has returned to Cuba, resuming his life as a taxi driver.
Currently, he navigates the streets of Havana on a solar-powered tricycle, determined to piece together a life overshadowed by migratory uncertainty and Cuba's economic challenges.
This narrative was highlighted on Tuesday by the Los Angeles Times, chronicling De La Cruz's journey after he resettled in Las Minas with his wife.
Facing a Turning Point
De La Cruz's departure from the United States came after a pivotal immigration hearing on January 9, 2026, in Miami.
Expecting a routine procedure, De La Cruz was instead confronted with the difficult choice of returning to Cuba or risking deportation by staying in the U.S.
Choosing to leave, he was granted 120 days to exit the country and opted to return to the island, rather than start anew in Mexico or Canada.
His wife, initially planning to remain in the U.S. to provide financial support, ultimately decided to join him on the same flight back.
Journey to the United States
De La Cruz had entered the U.S. through the Mexican border in August 2021 after a lengthy migration journey.
Prior to this, he had attempted to settle in Suriname, Guyana, and Brazil and traversed the Darién Gap over several months to reach American soil.
Once in southern Florida, he became certified as an electrician, working in states like Kentucky and Nebraska, with the goal of reuniting with his two daughters left in Cuba and eventually starting his own maintenance business.
Challenges Back in Cuba
Upon returning to Cuba, the couple moved in with De La Cruz's mother and purchased a solar-powered tricycle.
Returning to his former taxi profession, the tricycle is now his primary source of income, especially as these vehicles become a popular transport alternative amid fuel shortages and public transport decline.
However, the challenges persist. Frequent power outages often force him to rely on solar panels to charge the tricycle, a process that can take up to eight hours, potentially costing him a day's work.
Despite these hurdles, he remains compassionate to those in need: "I don't like to leave anyone stranded," he remarked.
Food scarcity is another pressing issue, prompting investments in water storage tanks due to pervasive supply problems across the country.
The stark contrast between his past life in the U.S.—where job security was a primary concern—and his current struggles with power blackouts, water and fuel shortages, transportation difficulties, and high food prices in Cuba is evident.
Looking to the Future
De La Cruz expresses a desire to remain permanently in Cuba, contingent upon an improvement in living conditions. "We're having a very hard time," he summarized.
His story mirrors that of many others who, after laying down roots in the U.S., have been compelled to start anew upon returning to the island.
On August 21, a flight transported 127 Cubans from the United States to Havana: 113 men and 14 women. Among them, two individuals are under investigation for alleged crimes committed before leaving Cuba.
Also on this flight was Dairon Fuentes, another Cuban with an I-220A, who sought voluntary departure after being detained in Texas. His wife and two children remain in the U.S., hoping for future reunification.
Several migrants holding I-220A have opted to leave the U.S. to avoid possible detention. In June, Diana Fonseca voluntarily returned to Cuba, preferring to leave independently rather than remain detained away from her daughter.
In July, Yasmany Vega Rodríguez also announced his voluntary return to the island with an I-220A, further exemplifying the decisions of Cubans facing uncertain migratory futures.
The story of Liexer De La Cruz is just one of many shaping the current migratory landscape. Stay updated on deportations, court proceedings, and immigration policies in our U.S. Immigration section.
Understanding the Cuban Deportation Experience
What led to Liexer De La Cruz's return to Cuba?
De La Cruz returned to Cuba following an immigration hearing in Miami that presented him with the choice of returning or facing potential deportation from the U.S.
How does Liexer De La Cruz make a living in Cuba?
He earns a living by driving a solar-powered tricycle as a taxi in Havana, which has become a popular transport option amid fuel shortages.
What challenges does De La Cruz face in Cuba?
He contends with frequent power outages, food scarcity, water supply issues, and the high cost of living, which are stark contrasts to his life in the U.S.