Sparked by the U.S. Department of Justice decision to deport approximately 2,500 Cubans who arrived in the United States during the 1980 Marial boatlift, these simultaneous sieges caused the FBI's largest crisis management mobilization. Following an outline of siege events, the article explains that rejection of the initial offer was caused by Cuban inmates' need to express their anger and frustration with officials. The paper emphasizes that negotiators had to avoid tricks and dishonesty and carefully consider the impact even their clothing and mannerisms might have on the prisoners. Also discussed is the presence of nonpolice negotiators, notably Cuban-born Catholic Bishop Agustin Roman. The important contributions made by mental health professionals to the negotiation process are reviewed, as are manipulative measures such as denying food and electricity. Finally, the surrender ritual is described.