From an immigration detention center in Florida, Cuban reggaeton artist El Chulo made his presence felt once again. This time, it wasn't with a public appearance or a concert, but with music and a direct message to those closely following his uncertain fate in the United States.
The artist released his new song, The Brave, while he remains in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a situation that has kept his fans on edge and reignited the debate about the migration risks many Cubans face in the country.
Through a message posted on his official Instagram account, the singer's team expressed their gratitude for the support received since news of his arrest broke and shared words from the artist himself, who stated that he feels "eternally grateful" to the Cuban community. "In unity there is strength," he expressed, clearly alluding to the demonstrations of solidarity that have continued to circulate on social media.
El Chulo, whose real name is Abel Osvaldo Díaz Rodríguez, was arrested on January 22 at his residence in Homestead, Florida, following the activation of a final deportation order that had been pending for several years. He was initially transferred to the Broward Detention Center and later relocated to the Florida Soft Side South facility in Ochopee, commonly known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
According to information confirmed by journalists and sources close to the case, the deportation order is related to an incident involving a firearm that occurred in the Tampa area, for which the artist has already served his sentence. However, following his release, the immigration order was activated, which today keeps the reggaeton artist behind bars.
Immigration lawyers have warned that the legal landscape is complex. Since this is a final deportation order, El Chulo does not qualify for bail, and the chances of release depend on extraordinary measures, such as a stay of deportation for humanitarian reasons, an option that experts consider unlikely under the current immigration climate.
Meanwhile, his personal situation adds another layer of drama to the case. The artist is a father of two children and just six months ago celebrated the birth of his youngest. Additionally, he had recently succeeded in reuniting with his mother in the United States, a common dream among many Cubans that now hangs by a thread.
Her partner, María Karla Castro, broke the silence on social media to thank for the support received and to issue a clear warning to those without legal status. “This can happen to anyone,” she wrote, in a message that resonated strongly with Cuban immigrants living in constant fear of detention.
Filed under: