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Cuba Accepts First Mass Deportation Flight in Decades

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cuba accepted its first mass deportation flight in decades, repatriating 170 Cuban nationals, including six convicted of murder, rape, and drug trafficking, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The flight occurred on February 9, marking a shift from Cuba's refusal to accept deportees.
ICE noted that approximately 42,000 Cubans with final deportation orders remain awaiting repatriation, a development that may indicate changes in U.S.–Cuba immigration cooperation.

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Story summary

Cuba accepted its first mass deportation flight in decades, repatriating 170 Cuban nationals, including six convicted of murder, rape, and drug trafficking, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The flight occurred on February 9, marking a shift from Cuba's refusal to accept deportees.
ICE noted that approximately 42,000 Cubans with final deportation orders remain awaiting repatriation, a development that may indicate changes in U.S.–Cuba immigration cooperation.