A video posted on TikTok by the user @roxanamaldonado_ features her husband, Reinier Gutiérrez, who was deported to Cuba in 2023, discussing the harsh reality he faces more than two years after being separated from his family in the United States.
The Cuban, a father of two young children, describes in raw terms the helplessness of not being able to be with his wife or participate in raising and supporting the household.
"I'm Reinier, husband of Roxana, father of two young children, Luna and Lando. I'm speaking to you today from Cuba, where I find myself after having been deported," he begins in the video.
"My helplessness being here in Cuba is knowing that I can't be by my wife and my two children to support them... every day I wake up worried about how she manages alone," he expresses. In his message, he asks, "How does she manage to pay for gas, expenses, the children's school, and at the same time try to give our kids a normal childhood when I should be there?"
The emotional impact is also evident in his words: "I can't give her a hug when she's tired, when she feels bad... not being able to hug my kids when they're crying, when they ask where my dad is and when we're going to be with daddy. Those are things that hurt a lot."
Reinier states that he feels unable to fulfill his role as a father and provider: “I can't contribute as the man of the house, as a father, as I should to the home... the distance breaks my soul.” He also expresses his frustration at not being able to provide financial or emotional support from Cuba and calls for solidarity: “All I have left is to trust in God and in the solidarity of kind-hearted people who want to lend me a hand.”
"Every donation, no matter how small, means a breath of relief for my wife and a guaranteed meal for my children, because I, from here in Cuba, have no way to help them," he adds.
More than two years of separation
Reinier Gutiérrez was deported to Cuba on June 22, 2023, after being held since May under an immediate deportation order (I-220A). At that time, his youngest child was three months old, a U.S. citizen, and had health issues. His wife, Roxana Maldonado, also a U.S. citizen, reported that they were not allowed to marry once he was detained, which prevented them from presenting an immigration case based on family ties.
In statements captured at the time by local media, Gutiérrez questioned the process: "They showed no mercy, nothing for a child who is an American citizen and has health issues. My grandfather, who is an elderly person and an American citizen, and all those people depend on me."
Roxana stated that her husband had promptly appeared before immigration authorities, that he had no criminal record, and that he had never failed to meet the system's requirements. "He showed up, he never stopped complying, and during the time he was here, he never committed any crime or infraction," she asserted.
The difficulty of maintaining the bond
In July 2025, Roxana shared a video describing how her life has changed since the deportation. “The life after the deportation of a loved one, or in my case, my husband, is, my God, the hardest, the most brutal, the most humiliating experience a human being can endure,” she expressed.
He explained that the poor connection in the rural area where his husband lives in Cuba has made it nearly impossible to maintain stable conversations. "Every time I'm talking to my husband, I haven't been able to complete a conversation," he lamented. He detailed that they both rely on an old generator that he himself had sent from the United States, which has needed repairs.
A long-awaited reunion, but limited
On July 3rd, Roxana traveled with her children to Cuba to reunite with Reinier. Although she couldn’t record the moment due to her trembling hands, she did document her arrival on the island on TikTok: “I finally arrived in Cuba. Motembo is on fire!” she said in an optimistic tone.
In another post, he explained that he decided to travel to “reset a little” after more than two years of separation. The family is trying to stay united amid a situation still marked by distance, technological and legal limitations, and uncertainty about their future.
Reactions to the testimony
The video generated dozens of comments from users offering words of encouragement, empathy, and similar experiences. “It’s so painful to hear this man speak,” wrote one user. “Your wife is very strong; she has endured this situation. Trust in God,” commented another. Several messages suggested looking for a solution in another country or highlighted the importance of family.
The story of Reinier and Roxana has particularly resonated among Cubans inside and outside the island who face similar situations: forced separation, migration difficulties, and constant barriers to reunification. A drama that, as this testimony has shown, does not end with a deportation, but rather continues day after day in the lives of those who remain divided by borders.
Frequently Asked Questions about Deportation and Family Separation of Cubans
What is the current situation of Reinier Gutiérrez after his deportation to Cuba?
Reinier Gutiérrez was deported to Cuba in 2023 and has since faced the difficulty of being separated from his family, who remain in the United States. He cannot participate in raising his children or provide financial support, which causes him great helplessness and emotional pain.
How does family separation affect Roxana Maldonado and her children?
Roxana Maldonado faces significant challenges in keeping her family together and managing daily expenses. The distance and poor connection to Cuba hinder constant communication with her husband, which adds emotional strain and stress to raising her children alone.
What obstacles do Cuban families face in reunification after a deportation?
Cuban families face legal and technological obstacles in achieving reunification, such as the lack of opportunities to present humanitarian-based immigration cases and communication difficulties due to blackouts and poor connectivity in Cuba.
What impact do deportations have on the Cuban community both inside and outside the island?
Deportations deeply affect the Cuban community, creating a collective pain due to family separation and barriers to reunification. These stories resonate with those who have experienced similar processes, increasing empathy but also frustration over the lack of effective solutions.
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