Cuban Roxana Maldonado shared an emotional video on social media of her reunion with her husband in Cuba, after he was deported by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following 19 months in detention.
"My husband was deported to Cuba after 19 months of detention by ICE. We finally reunited. Despite the situation in Cuba and so many closed doors, I will never allow anything or anyone to separate us from our children or from each other," the young woman wrote alongside a video she posted on her TikTok account.
In the images, she is seen enjoying family moments in a rural Cuban setting, alongside her husband, children, and other loved ones. In one of the most touching scenes, the man feeds her while fanning her with a banana leaf, a gesture that has moved many viewers.
"When one lives through what we have lived, every second is greatly appreciated. Love is given without pride, in good times and in bad. Long live! No matter what, long live!" the Cuban added in her post, which has been widely shared and commented on TikTok.
On July 13, CiberCuba reported for the first time this case, following Roxana's initial publication, in which she recounted the lengthy and painful process of detention and family separation. Now, with the reunion finally realized, the family clings to their unity despite the complex situation they face on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Deportation and Family Reunification in Cuba
Why was Roxana Maldonado's husband deported to Cuba?
The husband of Roxana Maldonado was deported to Cuba by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after spending 19 months in detention. Despite the fact that Roxana is a U.S. citizen and the mother of a baby with health issues, she was not allowed to marry him or present humanitarian reasons to prevent the deportation.
What has life been like for Roxana Maldonado since her husband's deportation?
Roxana Maldonado has faced a difficult path following the deportation of her husband, characterized by precariousness, bureaucratic obstacles, and a long wait filled with anguish. The separation has profoundly impacted her emotional and family life, forcing her to raise her children alone in a challenging environment both in the United States and in Cuba.
What challenges does communication between Roxana and her husband in Cuba face?
Communication between Roxana and her husband is difficult due to frequent power outages and poor connectivity in the Cuban countryside where he resides. Despite attempts to talk through top-ups and data, the conversations are interrupted, which increases frustration and emotional distance between them.
How has her husband's deportation affected Roxana's daily life in the United States?
Deportation has left Roxana struggling alone with raising her children and the emotional issues stemming from the separation. Her testimony reflects the resilience of many Cuban women who face uncertainty and the emotional burden of maintaining a fractured home, while fighting against a system that ignores them.
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