Did Castro send 25000 convicts to Miami Florida?

Answer 1

Yes, in 1980, Fidel Castro allowed approximately 25,000 Cuban convicts and individuals from mental health facilities to emigrate to the United States during the Mariel Boatlift. Castro's decision came after a period of tension between Cuba and the U.S., and the influx of these individuals sparked significant controversy in Miami and beyond. The Mariel Boatlift ultimately brought around 125,000 Cubans to Florida, but the 25,000 convicts and mentally ill individuals were among those who faced the most scrutiny.