Memoir | The Interrogation | Part V of VI

Havana, Cuba

Upon my arrival in Havana, Cuba, I exited the airplane and went directly to Customs. After the Customs agent examined my official passport, he asked me to step aside and wait.

I got scared and my heart started pounding!

It was a scenario I had been cautioned about during my trip briefing.

The Windowless Room

Two Cuban customs police officers took me to a windowless room.

As I sat in the small room, my thoughts drifted to what I had studied in my History class at Indiana University East (IUE) Online Program about the intricate relationship between Cuba and the United States. In our studies, we were required to read three distinct history books. The historian who particularly resonated with me and exposed the harsh reality of the histories of these two nations was the late Howard Zinn, through his book titled “A People’s History of the United States.”

Through this insightful read, I gained a deeper understanding of the circumstances that led to my detainment, shedding light on the situation.

Handsome Police Officers

The police officers resembled male fashion models! Their angelic faces made it challenging to concentrate on the interrogation questions.

The Interrogation

They fired off rapid questions, one after the other, barely pausing for my response:

“Your visa stamp is incomplete.”

“What is your purpose for being in Cuba?”

“What is your religion?”

“Are you carrying a weapon?”

“Do you have propaganda literature against Cuba?”

“Do you have family in Cuba?”

After answering all their questions, they abruptly left the room, leaving me alone. I was trembling in fear!

One Hour Passed

After enduring an hour in the tight, poorly lit interrogation room, the customs officers finally returned and gestured for me to follow them.

As we made our way to the arrival gate, I spotted my American contact enthusiastically waving at me. A wave of relief washed over me as I emerged from the gate.

He looked worried and confessed he had no idea I was being held and interrogated.

I could only say,

“You have no idea how relieved I am to see you. I was completely terrified.”

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(Copyright © 2025 by Mia Z. Edwards. All rights reserved.)