The wife of the Cuban Deivy Alemán Oropesa, who self-deported to Cuba after receiving a departure order from U.S. immigration authorities, publicly thanked for the support that her family has received since his story began to spread.
"I would like to thank everyone for all the support my family has received. It has been incredible," expressed Yisel Miguel Sarduy in a video posted by journalist Javier Díaz from Univisión. The mother, visibly affected, recounted the difficult days she has experienced alongside her sick daughter following the departure of her husband from the country.
During the testimony, the girl interrupts to say that she needs her father. "The girl needs Daddy," Yisel repeats, fearing that the separation will severely impact the child's health, as she suffers from a serious heart condition. "Every time she hears a car or someone knocks on the door, she thinks it's him," she shared tearfully.
According to the mother, the cardiologist recommended taking extra emotional care of the girl. "In her condition, any depression can have adverse consequences for her illness," she warned. The family, desperate, pleads for someone to hear their case who can expedite the reunification migration process.
Deivy Alemán, who lived in Orlando, Florida, under a migration supervision order (form I-220B), chose to voluntarily leave on September 14 to avoid prolonged detention by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which had given him a deadline of days to leave the country. His departure, framed within the deportation process, left his younger daughter —a U.S. citizen— without her main economic and emotional support.
Since his return to Cuba, the father has reported that he is experiencing the "toughest moments" of his life. "I can't work, I can't provide financial support to my wife. I just want to return to them as soon as possible," he expressed in statements to Miami media.
Yisel has shared several videos requesting help for her husband to return, emphasizing that her daughter needs her father's emotional support to maintain her health.
The story has sparked a wave of solidarity among Cubans inside and outside the United States. "It hasn't even been 24 hours since Deivy Alemán self-deported to Cuba, and I'm already starting to receive messages on my phone in support of his wife and daughter," wrote journalist Javier Díaz.
On social media, newly arrived families in the country offered concrete help: food, shelter, and care for the affected mother and daughter. "Where two eat, three can eat," expressed a woman in a message that reflects the community's empathy.
The farewell at Miami Airport was captured in a video that shows the little girl crying as her father walks away, marking one of the most moving moments of the case.
Currently, Alemán is in Palmira, Cienfuegos, awaiting the speeding up of the I-130 petition submitted by his wife to USCIS, as part of the family reunification process. The family hopes that the authorities can expedite it for humanitarian reasons. Meanwhile, Yisel and her daughter continue to wait for a miracle.
Frequently asked questions about the case of Deivy Alemán Oropesa and his deportation
Why did Deivy Alemán Oropesa decide to self-deport to Cuba?
Deivy Alemán Oropesa decided to self-deport to Cuba to avoid prolonged detention and forced deportation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Despite being married to a U.S. citizen and having a daughter with a severe heart condition, the deportation order remained in place due to his irregular entry into the country. This decision, though painful, was made in an attempt to preserve the possibility of returning legally in the future.
What impact does Deivy Alemán's deportation have on his family?
The deportation of Deivy Alemán has left his family in a very difficult emotional and economic situation. His daughter, who is a U.S. citizen, suffers from a serious heart condition that requires constant care and possible new surgeries. Deivy was the primary breadwinner of the household, and his absence could significantly impact his daughter's emotional health, which could have negative consequences for her illness.
What legal measures are being taken to ensure Deivy Alemán returns to the U.S.?
Deivy Alemán's wife has filed an I-130 petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of the family reunification process. The family hopes that this petition, along with community support and public pressure, will help expedite Deivy's return for humanitarian reasons. Additionally, they have requested the intervention of congressmen and senators to ensure that their case is addressed urgently.
How has the community reacted to the deportation of Deivy Alemán?
The community, both inside and outside the United States, has shown a wave of solidarity with Deivy Alemán's family. Many people have offered financial and emotional support, and petitions have been created on platforms like Change.org to advocate for his return. The situation has sparked criticism of the current immigration policies in the U.S., which are not prioritizing humanitarian factors even in cases involving U.S. citizen minors.
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