Operation Pedro Pan

Operation Pedro Pan was a clandestine evacuation of over 14,000 Cuban children between 1960 and 1962. Orchestrated by the Catholic Church and concerned American organizations, it aimed to protect kids from the oppressive Communist regime after Cuba's 1959 revolution. Many children were sent alone or with guardians via flights to the United States, primarily Florida. This operation allowed children to escape political repression and potential indoctrination but also caused emotional trauma by separating them from their families. It remains a significant event reflecting Cold War tensions and the impact of political upheaval on families.