Trump Administration Deportation Figures Challenged
PolitiFact rated a claim about the number of deported Cuban nationals as mostly true.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Immigration
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Angie Nixon stated the Trump administration deported over 13,000 Cubans. PolitiFact evaluated the claim as mostly true based on government and organizational data.
Why it matters
The figures highlight the administration's reliance on third-country deportation agreements, which allow authorities to send immigrants to nations other than their home countries.
The U.S. has deported approximately 8,500 Cubans during the second term as of August 5, 2026, compared to 3,400 during the first term. Authorities have utilized deportation agreements with over 35 countries to facilitate these removals.
The players
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States.
Angie Nixon
She is a political figure who made the claims regarding deportation statistics on Facing South Florida.
PolitiFact
It is a non-partisan fact-checking organization that reviews the accuracy of statements made by political figures.
Human Rights Watch
It is an international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights issues.
The details
The administration targets individuals through arrests at immigration check-ins or those with pending cases. These actions increased after the end of a parole program that previously allowed sponsored Cubans to enter the country legally.
Timeline
Jan. 20, 2025, to March 9, 2026: 4,400 Cubans were deported to non-native countries.
Aug. 5, 2026: Data cutoff for Human Rights Watch deportation estimates.
Oct. 4, 2026: Angie Nixon made the statement during a broadcast.
Political Context
Opponents and human rights advocates argue that third-country deportation agreements, which facilitate removals to nations like Liberia or Guyana, bypass standard international protections for asylum seekers. Critics emphasize that these policies create significant instability for the individuals being sent to countries where they lack established ties or legal status.
These shifts in immigration enforcement mean that families and individuals with pending check-ins face a higher risk of immediate removal from the country. Changes to parole status also impact those who previously relied on employment authorizations to remain legally in the United States.
The takeaway
The administration's use of third-party countries reflects a significant change in how the U.S. handles deportations when native governments refuse cooperation. Readers should note that legal status and pending check-ins are now subject to a more aggressive enforcement landscape.
Further reading
For broader context on recent policy shifts, visit the Immigration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Politi Fact.
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