Arístides Fernández García, a 37-year-old Cuban national, departed Bangui on Monday, 19 October 2026, following his expulsion from the United States to the Central African Republic in late July 2026. The departure marks the conclusion of his time in the Central African Republic, a period that followed his involuntary removal from American soil. Reflecting on his journey, Arístides Fernández García stated, "Cela a été une longue aventure. J’avais passé sept mois en prison, presque trois mois ici en Afrique. Et tout cela a été très difficile."
Upon his initial arrival in the Central African Republic, he noted, "Lorsque je suis arrivé ici, les gens de l’ONU m’attendaient en descendant de l’avion. Ils ont été plutôt bienveillants avec moi." Regarding his departure from Bangui, he added, "Ma gente, maintenant je m’en vais vraiment. Santé et bénédictions à tous. Merci pour tout le soutien que vous m’avez apporté jusqu’à ce jour," while expressing sympathy for others: "Je ressens de la peine pour tous mes amis qui sont à la traîne."
Detention and Initial Expulsion
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Arístides Fernández García on 6 January 2026 in Miami, Florida. Following this initial apprehension by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on January 6, 2026, in Miami, Florida, he remained in custody within the United States before his eventual transfer to the Central African Republic in late July 2026.
During the period he spent held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Arístides Fernández García experienced significant physical changes. He claims to have lost approximately 27 kilograms while detained in the United States. This physical decline occurred throughout the months he was held in various facilities prior to his international transfer.
Life in Bangui Exile
Arístides Fernández García spent 96 days in a Florida detention center known as 'Alligator Alcatraz' prior to his expulsion from the United States. This facility, located in the state where he was initially arrested, held him during the period leading up to his transfer to the Central African Republic. The facility, referred to as 'Alligator Alcatraz,' served as the primary site of his confinement before his removal.
The experience of detention in the United States, which Arístides Fernández García claims resulted in a loss of approximately 27 kilograms, preceded his arrival in Bangui. During his time in the Central African Republic, he remained in contact with other individuals who had undergone similar experiences. Other Cuban nationals expelled from the United States remain in Bangui. These individuals continue to reside in the city following their own removals from American territory. The departure of Arístides Fernández García on Monday, October 19, 2026, leaves these other Cuban nationals in the Central African Republic as they continue to navigate their circumstances in exile.
