Heriberto Rivero Carrera, a 29-year-old Cuban judo athlete who once represented his country in international competitions, was taken into custody by ICE agents last Friday, June 13, at a Miami immigration court. The detention occurred as he was leaving the hearing, a practice that has become increasingly common since late May in several states, including Florida.
The arrest has sparked concern among the young athlete's family, as they worry he may face severe repercussions if sent back to Cuba. Rivero arrived in the United States in 2022 after defecting from an official Cuban sports delegation during a trip to Mexico. He crossed the southern border and was granted an I-220A document, allowing him to remain legally in the country while his immigration proceedings were ongoing. Since his arrival, Rivero has been working and striving to build a life in South Florida, according to his family. However, his status in the country is now in jeopardy following his detention at the immigration court.
Unheard and Unrepresented
"He spent many years on the Cuban national team. He's a hardworking young man. Since he came to this country, he's been working. The judge didn't even want to listen to him. They didn't give him a chance to explain, and immigration took him right there," his mother lamented in statements to Univision.
The family claims that Heriberto was not given the opportunity to present his side of the story or to have proper representation. This compounds their fear of what he might face if deported back to the island. "Everyone knows what it means to defect from a national team, especially being an athlete like he was," his mother added, emphasizing the high profile of her son in Cuban sports and the stigma associated with defection under the Havana regime.
Cuban law imposes penalties on athletes who leave official delegations, including long periods of being barred from entering the country and social marginalization. In many cases, they are also denied employment opportunities or are even monitored by State Security.
An Expecting Couple with No Support
The situation is even more distressing for Rivero's partner, who is also Cuban and in an advanced stage of pregnancy. Visibly shaken, she expressed her fears for both of their futures. "If they deport him and let him back into Cuba, what future is he going to have there? None. They won't give him a job anywhere, nothing, if he isn't made to disappear," she declared, fearing not only for Heriberto's economic and social situation but also for his safety.
"He's the only person I have here. I don't have any other family in this country," she added with a broken voice, highlighting the absence of a support network beyond her partner. As of now, it is unclear whether Rivero's family has been able to hire a lawyer to defend his case or if they know which detention center the athlete is being held in.
Key Questions About Heriberto Rivero's ICE Detention
Why was Heriberto Rivero detained by ICE?
Heriberto Rivero was detained by ICE agents at a Miami immigration court, a practice that has become more common in recent months, as he was leaving a hearing regarding his immigration status.
What risks does Rivero face if deported to Cuba?
If deported, Rivero could face severe repercussions from the Cuban government, including social marginalization, employment denial, and potential monitoring by State Security, due to his defection from a national sports team.
Has Rivero's family secured legal representation?
As of now, it is uncertain whether Rivero's family has been able to hire a lawyer to assist in his defense or if they are aware of his current detention location.