Seven Cuban athletes escape from the Pan American Games in Chile

Seven Cuban athletes participating in the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games held in the capital of Chile escaped from the Pan American Village, where the teams representing the different countries are staying. The reason for their escape was the tragic living conditions that the island's residents are experiencing due to the Cuban communist regime.

Six of the athletes are part of the women's field hockey team and the seventh is a female track athlete. All were identified and their names were revealed: Jennifer Martínez, Yakira Guillén, Lismary González, Helec Carta, Geidy Morales Yoao Illas and Yunia Milanes.

Subsequently, it was confirmed that the Cuban athletes contacted a law firm to regulate their immigration situation in Chile.

The Chilean government

Gabriel Boric's government reported that none of the athletes had submitted a request to change their status and reside in the country. He also recalled that they have a 90-day legal stay visa (which they can renew for an additional 90 days). Chilean Minister Secretary General Camila Vallejo declared that "there is always concern in these cases."

On the other hand, Daniela Peñaloza, mayor of Santiago's Las Condes province, publicly offered on X (formerly Twitter) to help and support to Cuban athletes:

More than 60 athletes left Cuban sporting delegations this year

Cuban journalist Francys Romero revealed that 62 athletes in total have left Cuban sporting delegations in 2023. This is not the first time that this situation has made headlines. During the Gold Cup soccer tournament held in the United States, a group of players identified as Roberney Caballero, Neiser Sandó, Denilson Milanes, Jassael Herrea and Sandy Sánchez escaped from the hotel where they were staying to request refuge in the U.S.