With the journey becoming easier through Nicaragua, record numbers of Cubans are heading to the US border.

The number of Cubans fleeing their country in search of better prospects has reached unprecedented levels, with analysts predicting that this year will see the highest migration from the island. The main route for many involves traveling through Nicaragua before heading to the US-Mexico border, with 114,000 Cubans crossing into the US since October, according to US Customs and Border Protection. This represents about 1% of Cuba’s population.

The drive for migration has intensified due to the economic crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by the political crackdown following the 2021 protests. Many, like Ernesto Hernández, embark on perilous journeys, often risking their lives at sea in hopes of reaching the US. While some leave due to political repression, the majority are motivated by the dire economic situation, hoping for a better future abroad.