According to the 2026 FIU Cuba Poll released on Tuesday by Florida International University, a significant majority of Cuban Americans in Miami-Dade County disapprove of the heightened deportations of Cubans who lack legal status and have no criminal background.
This survey, which has been conducted regularly since 1991, involved interviews with 1,004 Cuban American adults residing in Miami-Dade from September 4 to September 29. The poll boasts a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
The findings are set to be publicly unveiled on Wednesday, October 28, at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) at the Green School of International & Public Affairs' international pavilion at FIU.
The poll reveals that 76% of respondents disapprove of deportations involving Cuban nationals without criminal records, with 63% expressing strong disapproval. Only 24% are in favor of these deportations.
This opposition is not confined to a single political alignment; 63% of Republicans in the sample also disapprove, although this group supports the measure at a higher rate than others, with 37% in favor.
Strong Disapproval Among Recent Arrivals
Among Cubans who emigrated to the United States after 2020, disapproval is nearly unanimous, with 92% strongly opposing the deportations and a mere 3% in support.
Furthermore, 87% of participants agree that Washington should resume processing immigration benefits for Cubans already residing in the country—65% of them strongly agree. This sentiment is shared by a large majority of Republicans (86%), Democrats (90%), and Independents (86%). Among the most recent arrivals and non-citizens, support is almost unanimous at 97% and 96%, respectively.
Political Support Remains Unchanged
Despite dissatisfaction with immigration policies, support for the Republican Party remains steady. About 68% of those surveyed plan to vote for Republican candidates in November 2026, matching the historic high recorded in the 2024 Cuba Poll. Republicans constitute 53% of registered voters in the sample, compared to 27% independents and 18% Democrats.
Guillermo J. Grenier, the chief researcher of the poll and a sociology professor at FIU, explains: “Discontent with the Trump administration hasn't swayed Cuban Americans away from the Republican Party. Although 63% disapprove of deportations and 50% are dissatisfied with economic management, Republicans still represent 53% of registered voters.”
Community's Dual Stance
The survey also highlights a unique tension within this community: while opposing deportations, they strongly support pressure on the Cuban regime. About 77% back maximum pressure on Havana, 65% endorse blocking oil imports to Cuba, and 74% want the U.S. to aid Cuba's private sector to mitigate the humanitarian crisis.
Grenier summarizes: “Cuban Americans desire two things simultaneously: a tougher stance on Havana and a better life for the Cuban people. Those supporting maximum pressure also support the sale of medicine, food, and aid to the private sector.”
On humanitarian grounds, 73% favor unrestricted sale of medicines to Cuba, and 70% support food sales, even with majorities among Republicans (62% and 64%, respectively).
The immigration context surrounding these figures is fraught with tension. A Human Rights Watch analysis from May 2026 shows that of the 4,353 Cubans deported to Mexico between January 2025 and March 2026, 26% had no criminal records in the U.S. A prior survey by the Miami Herald in April 2026 had already signaled disapproval, with 68% opposing deportations of undocumented Cubans without criminal histories.
The complete FIU Cuba Poll 2026 report is accessible online. The poll focuses solely on Cuban American adults in Miami-Dade, and its results are not applicable to the broader Cuban population in the United States.
Debate over Cuban deportations and U.S. immigration policies continues to spark discussion. Stay informed with our Immigration in the U.S. section, where we cover everything you need to know about this issue.
Key Insights on Cuban Deportations and Immigration Policies
What percentage of Cuban Americans in Miami-Dade oppose deportations?
According to the 2026 FIU Cuba Poll, 76% of Cuban Americans in Miami-Dade disapprove of deportations involving Cuban nationals without criminal records.
How do recent Cuban arrivals to the U.S. feel about deportations?
Among Cubans who arrived after 2020, disapproval is nearly unanimous, with 92% strongly opposing deportations.
Is there bipartisan agreement on resuming immigration benefits for Cubans?
Yes, 87% of those surveyed agree that Washington should resume processing immigration benefits for Cubans already residing in the U.S., with support across Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.