A Cuban father who has lived in the United States for nearly 30 years is now facing deportation after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Despite his criminal record, his family claims he has been an exemplary citizen for the past 19 years and criticizes the treatment he is receiving while in custody.
Routine ICE Appointment Turns Life Upside Down
On June 13, Juan Erles González, a 56-year-old Cuban national who arrived in the U.S. in 1995, went for his regular check-in with ICE at their office in Miramar, Florida. This visit, however, took an unexpected turn. According to his daughter, Ana Lisse González, officials informed him there was a new "protocol" requiring his detention.
Initially, Juan was taken to the Krome Detention Center, then moved to Glades, and eventually transferred to a facility in Texas. There, he was allegedly told he would be released at the border in the middle of the night. Since his arrest, he has been shuffled between at least three detention centers and has barely been able to contact his family. His loved ones report that his phone calls are limited to just 30 seconds.
"He's very sad and hurt by everything that's happening and how he's being treated," Ana Lisse told Telemundo 51 after a recent conversation with her father. The lack of communication, looming uncertainty, and real possibility of deportation have plunged his wife and daughter into despair.
Past Conviction Casts a Long Shadow
Juan González came to the United States after spending a year and a half at Guantanamo Bay. In 2007, he lost his permanent resident status following a conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. His wife, Yojaimen Labiste, states that he served an 18-month sentence in federal prison and has since avoided any legal trouble.
"He served his time for the crime he committed. After that, he worked for 19 years, paid his taxes, and fully reintegrated into society. He hasn't had any issues since," Labiste asserts.
Stuck in a Deportation Limbo
An immigration attorney explained that while González once held residency, it was revoked due to his offense, resulting in a deportation order. However, for years, he was not deported because Cuba refused to take him back—a common circumstance for Cubans with criminal records in the U.S.
"Recently, we've seen some options open up," the attorney notes. "In some instances, Cuba is accepting deportees, as are other countries." However, regarding the possibility of being left at the southern border, she expressed doubt. "I haven't heard any reports of that. It doesn't sound right, but anything is possible," she said, emphasizing that a third country must formally accept a deportee before they can be transferred.
Family Appeals for Mercy
Juan's family is pleading for recognition not only of his past mistakes but also of his years of honest living in the U.S. "He's a good man. He worked hard, never committed another crime, and always complied with what was asked of him," his wife insists.
The uncertainty surrounding Juan Erles González's future persists as his family fights to bring attention to his case and appeal for compassion from the authorities. They do not seek to deny the crime he committed but to highlight the time that has passed, his reintegration into society, and the deep ties he has to his family and life in the United States.
Questions on ICE Detentions and Deportations
What are the reasons for a permanent resident to lose their status?
A permanent resident can lose their status for reasons such as committing certain crimes, failing to comply with residency requirements, or when a deportation order is executed against them.
Can Cuba refuse to accept a deported Cuban national?
Yes, Cuba can refuse to accept a deported national, especially if there are criminal records involved. This has been a common issue for many Cuban nationals living in the United States.
Is it possible for ICE to release a detainee at the border?
While reports of such incidents are not common, it is theoretically possible if the individual has been accepted by a third country or if specific legal or procedural actions necessitate such an outcome.