Atlanta Prison Riot: Cuban Detainees Seize Control, Demand to Stay in US

Atlanta Prison Riot: Cuban Detainees Seize Control, Demand to Stay in US.

A group of Cuban detainees seized control of the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta on November 13, 1987, demanding that they not be repatriated to Cuba. The riot lasted for 11 days and involved more than 100 hostages. One inmate was killed and dozens were injured. The riot ended after the FBI negotiated a deal with the detainees, who were allowed to stay in the US.

The riot was sparked by an announcement that the US government would begin repatriating Cuban detainees who had been granted political asylum. The detainees argued that they would be persecuted if they were returned to Cuba.

The Atlanta Prison Riot was one of the longest and most violent prison riots in US history. It highlighted the plight of Cuban detainees who were seeking asylum in the US.