American fugitives in Cuba

Modern diplomatic relations are cold due to historic conflict and divergent political ideologies which has strained fulfillment of their bilateral extradition treaty.

U.S. fugitives have sought political asylum in Cuba since the 1960s, stemming from a variety of domestic and international social movements.

[4][5] Cuban leader Fidel Castro had long tried to court African American support for Cuba ever since the victory of the Cuban Revolution and the promotions of Cuba as an island without racism perfect for African American tourists.

[citation needed] It wasn't until William Lee Brent, a Bay Area Black Panther, who on June 17, 1969, hijacked Trans World Airlines Flight 154 to Cuba.

It was only after William Lee Brent's hijacking that other Black Panthers would find political exile in Cuba.

Most moved on to Algiers where Eldridge Cleaver, Minister of Information for the Black Panther Party, headed the International Section of the BPP.

[12] The U.S. government proposed legislation in 2022 to force greater Cuban compliance with their existing extradition treaty.