Brazilian police intercept 108 Cuban migrants at Guyana border

Brazilian Federal Police intercepted 108 Cuban migrants who had entered the country via the border with Guyana. The operation, which took place over Monday afternoon and evening, saw authorities stop three vehicles packed with migrants and later discover another group of 61 individuals in a house in the Roraima state region.

During the raids, five individuals suspected of being 'coyotes', smugglers who facilitate illegal border crossings, were arrested. These smugglers had reportedly promised to transport the migrants to their final destinations in southern Brazil. Among the intercepted migrants were several minors and elderly individuals who told authorities they had been without food for days.

The migrants were taken to a Federal Police station in Boa Vista for processing. Following initial procedures, they were released and advised to seek assistance from the 'Operação Acolhida' (Operation Welcome) program. This government initiative is designed to support immigrants, particularly those arriving from Venezuela, and offers help with relocation within Brazil.

According to reports, the Cuban migrants first traveled to Guyana, which does not require a visa, before crossing into Brazil. Data indicates a significant surge in Cuban migration to Brazil, with nearly 18,000 Cubans seeking refuge in Roraima state between January and November 2025, a 400% increase from the previous year.