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Cuban Man's Family Fights Deportation After Seven Years in the U.S.: "His Home Is Here, Not Cuba"

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 by Matthew Diaz

Cuban Man's Family Fights Deportation After Seven Years in the U.S.: "His Home Is Here, Not Cuba"
Ariel Cruz Penton with his wife Alexandria Dowell and their daughter. - Image © GoFundMe

When Alexandria Dowell arrived at the Aurora Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Colorado to visit her husband, Ariel Cruz Penton, she was met with a baffling response: "Your husband is not here." No one could tell her where he was. Cruz Penton, a Cuban national, had been detained on June 10 by ICE agents while working a side job, leaving his future hanging in uncertainty, as Dowell told CBS News.

Three unmarked vehicles had swooped in, handcuffing him without showing a warrant or offering any explanation. "Such a massive operation... for just one man. A man with no criminal record. A man who has never posed a threat to anyone," Dowell criticized in a heartfelt message on GoFundMe.

The family claims that ICE coerced Cruz Penton into signing documents without proper legal representation, which barred him from obtaining parole and political asylum, even though he passed a credible fear interview after seeking refuge at the border. "He signed without knowing what it was. He didn't have a lawyer, and that changed everything," said Dowell, a U.S. citizen who has stood by her husband in their four-year-long battle against deportation.

Legal Struggles and Family Hardships

The couple submitted the I-130 form to petition for Cruz Penton's residency through marriage, also requesting the reopening of his immigration case. However, a judge denied the parole request. The family has appealed the decision and continues their legal fight with the support of their attorneys.

During a visit with their two-year-old daughter, Alexandria could only see her husband through a thick pane of glass and speak to him via phone—unable to hold him. "I pressed my hand against the cold glass, looking at the man I love on the other side... and there was nothing I could do to bring him back," she wrote.

Ariel remains detained with limited access to phone calls and scant information about his case. He couldn't even contact his family on Father's Day. His car sits parked in front of their home, and his daughter runs to the window each time she sees it, hoping her dad has returned from work.

Uncertain Future and Community Support

Last Friday, after an anxious wait in the visitation room, Dowell learned that her husband was no longer at the Aurora detention center. "My heart sank... I thought, 'Where are they taking him?'" she recalled tearfully. Later, at 3:30 p.m., they were informed he had been moved to El Paso, Texas, and could be deported at any moment.

Alarmingly, officers allegedly tried to get Cruz Penton to sign a deportation order to Mexico, a country he isn't from. "It doesn't matter if you do everything right... it's in the hands of whoever reads your case," Dowell said.

The family, including Dowell, their daughter, and Cruz Penton, insists they have done everything correctly: they own a home, pay taxes, and he has no criminal history. "This is his home. Not Cuba, not Mexico. It's here, with us," Dowell emphasized.

While their legal battle continues, they have launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising over $11,000 of the $20,000 needed to cover legal and living expenses as they fight to halt the deportation.

Understanding the Deportation Process and Challenges

What led to Ariel Cruz Penton's detention by ICE?

Ariel Cruz Penton was detained by ICE agents on June 10 while working a secondary job. He was apprehended without a warrant or explanation, leading to his current uncertain legal situation.

Why is legal representation crucial in immigration cases?

Legal representation is crucial because it ensures that individuals understand the documents they sign and the legal processes involved. Without it, people might unknowingly waive their rights or make detrimental decisions.

How is the family supporting their legal battle against deportation?

The family is appealing the court's decision with the help of their attorneys, and they have also launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for legal and living expenses during this challenging time.

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