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Cuban deportations to Africa
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
ICE deported over 100 immigrants to 8 African nations in 10 days. Deportees report abuse, medical neglect, and being sent to countries with no ties.
Background
The Trump administration has expanded its use of third-country deportations, sending immigrants to countries where they are not citizens. This follows a record wave of ICE arrests, with nearly 50,000 people arrested in July. Critics argue the policy strands people in dangerous situations, while the administration defends it as lawful enforcement.
How it unfolded
- Aug 20, 2026An ICE Air flight left Alexandria, Louisiana, carrying deportees including a Cuban man with a severe abdominal hernia.
- Aug 26, 2026EL PAÍS reports on the deportation of a Cuban man with a hernia to Equatorial Guinea, highlighting medical concerns.
- Aug 30, 2026The New York Times publishes accounts from deportees describing abusive treatment, including beatings and shackling.
- Aug 31, 2026CBS News obtains documents showing over 100 immigrants were deported to 8 African countries in 10 days.
- Sep 1, 2026Tampa Bay Times reports on Cuban deportees in Florida being sent to Africa, with one describing it as a 'kidnapping.'
Who’s saying what
- Official
- DHS says deportations are lawful and that all undocumented migrants were deported to a safe third country.
- Critics
- Advocates and attorneys argue the policy leaves people stranded in countries where they have no ties, raising due process and humanitarian concerns.
- Deportees
- Deportees like Arístides Fernández describe the experience as a 'kidnapping' and report abuse and medical neglect.
Still unverified
Some deportees' accounts of abuse are disputed by DHS, which says they were medically cleared and received appropriate care.