Living in fear of a knock at the door: the Cubans being deported under Trump
Living in fear of a knock – In the past decade, the U.S. immigration system has undergone a dramatic transformation, particularly for Cuban nationals. Once regarded as political refugees with preferential treatment, Cubans like May Díaz now face a heightened risk of removal. Díaz, a 36-year-old resident of Camaguey, Cuba, became one of thousands who participated in nationwide protests against the Communist government in July 2021. The demonstrations, which erupted in response to government crackdowns, were met with force by police armed with batons. Three months later, Díaz fled the island, reaching the Mexican border city of Mexicali before crossing into the U.S. with a group of undocumented individuals. Her journey, however, took a stark turn under the Trump administration’s intensified immigration policies.
A Shift in Policy
For decades, Cuban immigrants enjoyed a streamlined path to U.S. residency, rooted in Cold War-era policies that prioritized their status as escapees from a communist regime. Díaz’s case exemplifies this tradition, as she would have been granted immediate legal entry under the refugee status provisions. However, the Trump administration, known for its strict stance on immigration, has reversed this trend. The policies, which include expedited removals and expanded use of detention, have targeted Cubans more aggressively than any other group in recent years. By October 2025, Díaz’s asylum application was denied, and her work permit was revoked, leaving her in a precarious legal position.
Her ordeal intensified in March of this year when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents visited her Houston apartment without prior notice. Though she was not home at the time, the sudden appearance of enforcement personnel prompted her to relocate to Miami. Díaz now lives in constant anxiety, fearing that a single knock on her door could mean the end of her American dream. “Trump’s policies are eroding the very foundation of what this country represents,” she said. “It’s no longer about giving refuge to those in need. Cubans are being treated as if they’re not worthy of protection.”
Trump’s Deportation Surge
Under Trump’s leadership, the deportation rate of Cuban nationals has surged. According to ICE data, nearly 8,000 Cubans were expelled from the U.S. by April of this year, more than double the number deported during his first term in office. This sharp increase has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who argue that the administration is using its policies to pressure Cuba into political change rather than addressing the broader immigration crisis. “Trump doesn’t want more Cuban immigrants, but he does want regime change,” explained Susan Eckstein, a retired professor at Boston University specializing in Cuban affairs. “He’s fixated on being anti-immigrant, and Cubans are one of the largest groups entering the U.S. under this framework.”
The situation has also been compounded by the political alignment of Cuban American voters. In the 2024 presidential election, 68% of registered Cuban Americans in Florida voted for Trump, the highest level of support from any Latino demographic in the country. This endorsement, analysts suggest, has directly influenced the administration’s approach to immigration. “The Trump team sees Cuban nationals as a political asset, not just people seeking safety,” said Eckstein. “They’re using deportation as a tool to secure loyalty and push their agenda.”
HRW Report Highlights Crisis
A recent report by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) has underscored the human cost of these policies. The findings reveal that most deported Cubans are resettled in Mexico, where they often face uncertainty and hardship. Many are elderly individuals with chronic illnesses who have lived in the U.S. for years or even decades. “The Mexican government isn’t providing a sustainable solution,” warned Alcira Silva Hava of HRW’s refugee and human rights division. “These people are left without shelter, without medication, and at the mercy of organized crime.”
The report also highlights the lack of alternatives for Cubans seeking legal status. While asylum was once a viable path, the current system has become more restrictive, especially for those who arrive without formal documentation. Díaz’s experience mirrors that of thousands of others who have had to navigate a complex and often hostile environment. After being released on her own recognizance in 2021, she spent months in Texas and Florida working odd jobs while waiting for her asylum case to be resolved. But with the Trump administration’s policies in place, the process has become prolonged and uncertain.
The Broader Implications
Critics argue that the administration’s focus on Cubans reflects a broader strategy to undermine Cuba’s socialist government. “Trump’s policies aren’t just about immigration; they’re about engineering the collapse of communism in Cuba,” said Eckstein. “This has led to a system where Cubans are punished for their political identity, not their immigration status.” The approach has created a paradox: while the U.S. has historically welcomed Cuban refugees, it now treats them as a threat to national security and economic stability.
Meanwhile, the administration maintains that its actions are consistent with the law. Officials insist that Cubans are not being singled out but are part of a larger effort to enforce immigration rules. However, the scale of deportations and their impact on vulnerable populations suggest otherwise. Díaz, for instance, is now living in Miami, relying on friends for support while waiting for a resolution to her case. Her story, and those of others like her, illustrate the growing tension between national policy and humanitarian values.
Living in Limbo
For many Cubans, the deportation process has become a form of exile. Despite having lived in the U.S. for years, they are now treated as outsiders, stripped of their rights and opportunities. “There’s no difference between a Cuban languishing in a Cuban prison and a Cuban living here without a job,” Díaz said. “Both are seen as failures.” This sentiment reflects a deep sense of injustice among those affected. As the Trump administration continues its efforts, the fear of removal looms large, creating a climate of uncertainty for the Cuban community in the U.S.
The situation also raises questions about the long-term consequences of these policies. While the immediate goal is to pressure Cuba into political reform, the broader impact on U.S.-Cuba relations and the Cuban diaspora remains unclear. Some fear that the administration’s hardline approach could lead to a permanent divide between the two nations, even as the Cuban community continues to play a significant role in U.S. politics. “This is not just about immigration,” Eckstein emphasized. “It’s about how the U.S. chooses to engage with Cuba, and how it defines the role of its citizens in that relationship.”
As the numbers of deportations rise, so does the urgency for reform. The Cuban community, once a symbol of resilience and cultural contribution, now finds itself on the defensive. Their struggle under Trump’s policies serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by immigrants in an increasingly polarized political landscape. For Díaz and others like her, the fight for asylum and stability continues, even as the threat of deportation casts a long shadow over their future. The story of May Díaz is not just one of personal hardship, but of a systemic shift that redefines the American dream for a generation of Cubans.
