Mercedes Capaz, a Cuban and American citizen, voted for Donald Trump believing he was protecting families, but today she feels betrayed.
His only son, Pedro González Capaz, has been detained by ICE for four months and is facing a deportation order to Cuba after living in the United States for two decades.
“Very betrayed, because I didn't think they would do this to me. Not to me, nor to many people,” she said tearfully to Telemundo.
Since her son's arrest, her life has been reduced to prayers and anguish: “I feel a jolt, I think something happened to him. And I start to cry and kneel down and cry to God. Since this all began, I have no life.”
González, 37 years old, was arrested on March 2 at his home in Key Largo, Florida, by immigration agents, despite living under the I-220B supervision program and fulfilling all of his appointments.
"And it wasn't supposed to be until April, but they told me this is since the new administration took over," Capaz explained.
The case of González has hit his family hard. His children are also suffering from the separation.
"I miss it and I would like to see it again. I don’t know when I will see it again," said the eldest daughter.
González remains detained at the Glades detention center, where he awaits a immigration resolution.
In a video call from the center, he stated: "This is not easy; many families are separated."
He arrived in the U.S. in 2003 with his mother after winning a visa lottery. He attended high school in Miami but did not graduate until he was 19.
There, he had a relationship with a minor, which led to a conviction for "sexual predator" and the loss of his permanent residency.
Capaz insists that his son has complied with the law for the last 15 to 20 years, has started a family, and owns his own home in the United States.
Now, there is a fear of a massive deportation driven by more aggressive immigration policies.
"From what I can see, it's going to be something really massive because it doesn't seem to end. I don't agree with anything he's doing," she said about President Trump, whose approval rating has dropped from 47% to 40%, according to recent polls.
The case of González reflects a rising reality: more and more Cuban Americans and Venezuelans in Florida, who once supported Trump, now feel that their own families are paying the price for that vote.
He is not the only Cuban facing possible deportation in the United States after years of stable life in the country. Another recent case is that of a Cuban resident in Florida, who was arrested by ICE agents at his home, despite having complied with the supervision measures imposed after serving a sentence for drug possession more than a decade ago.
His wife, mother of two minors, claims that he has maintained an impeccable conduct since then and that the family is now going through a desperate situation.
Cases like these have generated great concern among Latinos in Florida. A family father was also arrested, an event that raised alarms among human rights advocates and the Cuban community in the southern part of the state, which is increasingly facing such situations.
His wife reported that, threatened on the island for participating in the protests of July 11, returning would pose a real danger: "He cannot go back to Cuba. They watched him, threatened him, and now they want to send him to Mexico here."
The stories of deportations equally affect the partners of those who are sent back to Cuba.
Roxana Maldonado, a Cuban who has lived in the United States for 21 years, shared a touching video on social media about how her life has changed since the deportation of her husband, Reinier Gutiérrez, to Cuba.
The young mother recounted the profound emotional impact and the daily challenges she faces to keep her family united, despite the distance, the precarious conditions on the island, and the uncertainty of the future.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deportation of Cuban Immigrants in the United States
Why is Pedro González Capaz facing deportation to Cuba?
Pedro González Capaz is facing deportation to Cuba due to a prior conviction as a "sexual predator," which resulted in the loss of his permanent residency in the United States. Despite living under the I-220B supervision program and keeping all his appointments, his situation became complicated following changes in immigration policies under the Trump administration.
How does Trump's immigration policy affect Cubans in the United States?
Trump's immigration policy has intensified the deportation of immigrants, including Cubans, through more aggressive tactics such as expedited removal and the detention of individuals in irregular immigration situations. These measures have led to an increase in the detention of immigrants during immigration hearings and appointments with ICE, creating fear and uncertainty within the Cuban community.
What options do detained Cuban immigrants have with ICE?
Cuban immigrants detained by ICE can seek legal assistance to attempt to halt their deportation, although the process is uncertain and can take years. Lawyers and activists recommend requesting virtual hearings and exploring all possible legal avenues to defend their cases. However, the enforcement of the current immigration policy is strict and leaves many without a clear defense.
What is the emotional and social impact of deportation on Cuban families?
Deportation has a profound emotional and social impact on Cuban families, leaving children and partners separated and facing situations of uncertainty and distress. Families become fragmented, and children, in particular, suffer from the absence of their parents, which affects their emotional well-being. Moreover, Cuban communities experience an atmosphere of fear and confusion due to the current immigration policies.
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