Arístides Fernández García, a 37-year-old Cuban who was deported from the United States to the Central African Republic, has finally managed to leave the capital city of Bangui after enduring nearly three months of uncertainty, illness, and challenges in securing his departure. His ultimate destination is Bolivia.
"My people, I'm finally leaving. Health and blessings to everyone. Thank you for all the support you've given me up to this day," he expressed emotionally in a video shared on Facebook by Yasmany Moreno, another Cuban deported who remains in Bangui.
The videos depict Arístides bidding farewell from what appears to be a hotel in the Central African capital, and later, during a layover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From there, he planned to continue his journey to Istanbul, Colombia, and finally Bolivia.
While in Ethiopia, he mentioned being welcomed by United Nations personnel, an interaction he appreciated following the tough months in Bangui. "When I arrived here, the UN people were waiting for me as I got off the plane. They treated me quite well," he recounted.
He also expressed relief at being in a different environment: "Everything changes here. This is a rather beautiful city, it looks quite modern, the airport is pretty large, and from now on, life seems to be starting to change a bit."
His departure comes just days after videos surfaced showing him visibly weakened and awaiting medical attention in Bangui, while other migrants reported illnesses and cases of malaria among the deportees.
Arístides was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on January 6, 2026, after attending a migration hearing in Miami, despite having a pending asylum request and a work permit valid until 2030.
In the following months, he was transferred through several detention centers, including the notorious "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida, where he claimed to have spent 96 days and lost about 27 kilograms (approximately 60 pounds).
By the end of July, he was sent to the Central African Republic, a nation with which he had no ties and where he arrived without documents or clear information regarding his immigration status.
"This was a long journey. I was imprisoned for seven months, nearly three months here in Africa. It has been quite tough," he recalled during his farewell.
Despite the joy of his departure, Arístides expressed concern for the friends left behind in Bangui, including Yasmany Moreno, who continues to report on the conditions faced by migrants sent to that country.
"I feel sorry for all my friends who are staying behind, but I know that they will also be able to solve their problems, God willing," he stated.
This case is part of the deportation policy to third countries implemented by the Trump administration, which has sent migrants to nations with which they have no familial or migratory connections.
Although he now seeks to reach Bolivia, Arístides holds onto the hope of one day returning to the United States, where he lived for several years. "We are not criminals; we did everything right in that country, and I believe we deserve that chance again in life," he affirmed.
This situation is part of a broader reality affecting thousands of Cuban migrants. Follow all the details on deportations, immigration policies, and more in our U.S. Immigration section.
Understanding Arístides Fernández García's Case and U.S. Deportation Policies
Why was Arístides Fernández García deported to the Central African Republic?
Arístides was deported as part of a policy by the Trump administration that sent migrants to third countries with which they had no ties, despite having a pending asylum request and a valid work permit in the U.S.
What challenges did Arístides face in Bangui?
He faced nearly three months of uncertainty, illness, and difficulties in securing his departure, as well as a visibly weakened state and lack of medical attention.
How did the United Nations assist Arístides during his journey?
When Arístides arrived in Ethiopia, United Nations personnel welcomed and assisted him, which he greatly appreciated after the hardships he endured in Bangui.