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A 64-year-old Cuban identified as Jesús Rodríguez Delgado attempted suicide inside an immigration court in Miami after being arrested by federal agents during a hearing.
Rodríguez Delgado, who according to his close friends was a political prisoner in Cuba for 28 years, began to scream desperately that he would rather take his own life than be returned to the island.
In front of witnesses, he attempted to strangle himself with his own hands, still handcuffed, as ICE agents struggled to subdue him and prevent a tragedy.
This is how Karla De Anda, a community advocate who witnessed the incident, described the scene as she desperately called for help while the officers tried to control the situation.
“I hope they help him, because he cannot return to Cuba,” she expressed emotionally to the media Florida Phoenix, which reported in detail on what happened.
The couple traveled from Naples to attend the appointment in person, hoping that everything would go well. However, the judge dismissed the deportation case, leaving the man vulnerable to immediate expulsion.
"He told me he wouldn't return to Cuba, that he would die first, and that's how it will be", Torres asserted, devastated, while speaking on the phone with Rodríguez Delgado's daughter to inform her of the arrest.
The immigration attorney Cindy Blandon confirmed that many of those detained are facing these processes without legal representation. Although having an active asylum or permanent residency application does not prevent expedited deportation, the lack of legal guidance further complicates the defense of these individuals. “If you don’t know how to handle the situation, it’s likely you will end up deported,” she explained.
During the time the hearing lasted, at least seven arrests were reported in the court. Some migrants cried; others remained silent, looking downcast, according to witnesses. But it was Rodríguez Delgado's suicide attempt that overshadowed the day with a profound emotional and political weight.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Immigration Status of Cubans in the U.S.
Why did Jesús Rodríguez Delgado try to take his own life in the Miami immigration court?
Jesús Rodríguez Delgado attempted suicide because he would rather die than be deported back to Cuba. This 64-year-old man, who was a political prisoner in Cuba for 28 years, expressed his desperation and fear of being returned to the island, where he fears for his life.
What tactics is ICE using to arrest immigrants in immigration courts?
ICE uses the tactic of dismissing immigration cases in court to apply expedited removal. This means that, after a case is closed, agents wait in the courthouse hallways to arrest immigrants, leaving them without immediate defense options.
What legal options do immigrants have to avoid expedited deportation?
Immigrants can seek legal representation and request virtual hearings to avoid immediate arrest. However, the lack of legal advice and misinformation complicate the defense of many immigrants, who face complex immigration processes without adequate resources.
How does the revocation of humanitarian parole affect Cuban immigrants in the U.S.?
The revocation of humanitarian parole leaves Cuban immigrants without clear options to regularize their status. This increases their risk of deportation and prevents them from obtaining work permits, creating uncertainty and concern about the possibility of being expelled from the country.
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