A Cuban user on TikTok identified as yanisleidis27 recounted, with indignation, the deportation of her husband after more than two decades of living in the United States, despite having no criminal record.
The affected woman stated that the marriage endured "three months of terror and uncertainty" in a process that reflects what many immigrants are experiencing while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The woman revealed that her husband was finally deported to Mexico after going through detention centers that lacked even the most basic conditions of dignity, where the man, who suffers from several chronic illnesses, did not have access to the medications that she herself brought him.
Decisions that condemned a life to limbo
Yanisleidis explained that her husband lived in the United States for 23 years with a final deportation order. He arrived in the country on a raft and shortly thereafter, lacking residency, returned to Cuba to look for his daughters, but was intercepted by authorities, processed, and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
At the age of five, during a prison parole, he ventured into the sea once more but was again apprehended, this time by an American Coast Guard. To avoid being returned to Cuba, he falsely claimed to be a "boatman." Although federal justice confirmed that he was not and exonerated him in the case, an immigration judge had already signed the final deportation order, a decision that was never overturned.
During these two decades, the man lived with work permits, social security, and a renewed driving license year after year, like thousands of Cubans with deportation orders.
In recent months, the couple, aware of the increasing severity of raids and deportations, had begun making arrangements to leave the country on their own before being arrested.
The violent arrest and family separation
The arrest took place on June 6, when eight ICE agents arrived at her home in Houston, Texas. Yanisleidis reported that the arrest was "extremely violent," despite the fact that her husband posed no threat.
During the process, the woman sought legal representation, but she stated that many lawyers take advantage of migrants' desperation to scam them with false promises. She herself paid large sums without receiving the assistance she expected.
The decision to accept the deportation
After his admission to the detention center, the authorities informed the Cuban that Cuba would not accept his return, and therefore Mexico was offered as an alternative destination.
The man immediately accepted, preferring to leave prison rather than remain indefinitely in those conditions.
But despite his immediate acceptance to leave the country, ICE kept him detained for three months, something that neither he nor his wife understood.
"Perhaps some may not understand why I feel relieved, even happy, that he has been deported. But in those ICE facilities, the lives of the detainees are at risk. It's better that he is outside than inside," the woman said.
Denounces an opaque and dehumanized system
In her testimony, the Cuban insists that the situation she experienced is not an isolated case.
He explained that ICE transfers detainees from one facility to another without notifying their families, that the location system is not functioning, and that in practice they are treated "as if they were objects."
Additionally, he harshly criticized the lack of transparency and the indifference towards the health of migrants.
After more than 23 years building their life in the United States, her husband is now in Mexico, although she assures that they will be together again soon.
Meanwhile, he asserts that he will continue to use his social media to raise awareness about what he referred to as "the martyrdom of thousands of families in similar situations."
Frequently Asked Questions about Deportations and Detentions of Cuban Immigrants in the United States
Why was Yanisleidis' husband deported after 23 years in the U.S.?
Yanisleidis' husband was deported because he had a final deportation order that was never reversed, despite having lived in the United States for over two decades without any criminal record. He arrived in the country by raft and was intercepted by authorities, which led to a deportation process that remained in effect for years.
How do current immigration policies affect Cuban immigrants in the U.S.?
The current immigration policies have intensified raids and deportations, even affecting immigrants with ongoing legal processes or temporary permits such as the I-220A. This hardening has created uncertainty and fear within migrant communities, especially among Cubans.
What problems do immigrants in ICE custody face?
Immigrants in ICE custody face deplorable conditions, such as lack of access to medication and transfers without notification to their families. These issues reflect an opaque and inhumane system, according to reports from affected individuals like Yanisleidis.
What legal options do immigrants at risk of deportation have?
Immigrants at risk of deportation can seek legal representation to appeal decisions or request hearings, although many face scams or complicated processes. It is crucial to have reliable legal advice to explore all available legal options.
What impact does family separation have on deported immigrants?
Family separation has a devastating impact on deported immigrants, causing anguish and despair for families left behind in the United States. This situation reflects the current immigration policies and the human drama they entail.
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