DistantNews
Support us
🇶🇦 Qatar /Culture & Society

Brazil Intercepts 108 Cuban Immigrants Amid Growing Asylum Applications

From Al Jazeera · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Brazilian police intercepted 108 Cuban nationals being smuggled into the country, part of a growing trend of migration from Cuba.
  • The operation in Roraima state, bordering Venezuela and Guyana, was described as the largest humanitarian rescue of its kind in a single incident.
  • Cuba faces a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by a U.S. fuel blockade, leading to widespread blackouts and shortages, fueling fears of further migration.

Brazilian authorities have intercepted 108 Cuban migrants in a single day, an operation described as the largest humanitarian rescue of its kind in the state of Roraima. Officials stated the incident highlights a growing trend of undocumented immigration from the Caribbean island to Brazil.

The Federal Highway Police (PRF) and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security conducted the operation, which aimed to disrupt human trafficking and irregular migration. Roraima, located in the Amazon rainforest and bordering Guyana and Venezuela, is a common entry point for migrants, with many using Guyana as a gateway to Brazil. The ministry reported that a significant portion of Cuban immigrants in Brazil reside in Roraima or the neighboring state of Amapa.

this was the largest humanitarian rescue operation ever recorded in a single incident in Roraima

— Ministry of Justice and Public SecurityDescribing the scale and significance of the operation to intercept 108 Cuban nationals.

This surge in migration is occurring against the backdrop of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Cuba. The island is grappling with the effects of a de facto U.S. fuel blockade, which has severely impacted its energy grid and public services. Since January, Cuba has received minimal foreign oil, and U.S. threats of tariffs against countries supplying Cuba have further isolated the island. The blockade has led to widespread blackouts and critical shortages of basic supplies, fueling concerns about further waves of emigration, similar to the exodus seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when Cuba's population reportedly declined significantly.

During Monday's operation, five suspected human smugglers, known as "coyotes," were arrested. The migrants, including children, were found in precarious conditions, with some reporting they had gone without food for at least two days. This rescue is part of "Operation Safe Route," an initiative launched in December 2024 to enhance roadway safety and combat migrant smuggling. Since the start of 2024, Brazilian authorities have "rescued" approximately 297 migrants and asylum seekers in Roraima, predominantly Cubans.

Many reported having gone without food for at least two days

— Justice MinistryDetailing the precarious conditions in which the intercepted Cuban migrants were found.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog