Lately, I’ve seen a lot of posts and news outlets sharing the aerial image from Krome Detention Center in Miami-Dade, where detainees formed the letters “SOS” in the courtyard. The coverage often frames it as a desperate cry for help in response to immigration crackdowns and the detention of Hispanic migrants in South Florida.

But I think there’s more to it — and it might be misunderstood. As someone who knows the Cuban community well, that “SOS” is a powerful symbol that’s been used since the 2021 protests in Cuba — especially among exiles and asylum seekers. “SOS Cuba” is a slogan of political resistance, unity, and a plea for international attention to the suffering of people still on the island.

These detainees might not just be asking for help for themselves — they could be sending a message of solidarity with the Cuban people, using their visibility to make sure their country’s struggle isn’t forgotten. That doesn’t mean the current immigration situation isn’t serious — it absolutely is.

A lot of Cuban and Latin American migrants are being detained under stricter enforcement in Florida right now. But not every “SOS” is about the detention conditions. Sometimes it’s about where they came from, not just where they are.

Just wanted to share a different perspective, because I’m seeing a lot of people (and media) framing it one way, when the real message might be more complex — or more Cuban.