Ariel Cruz Pentón, a Cuban national who had been residing in the United States for seven years, was married to an American citizen and was the father of a two-year-old girl, has been deported to Mexico. In an emotional interview with Univision, Cruz Pentón recounted the June day when, after leaving his daughter with her babysitter, he went to work, unaware that he would not see her again.
As he was on his way to his job, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents stopped the vehicle he was in, stated his name, and informed him of his arrest. "At that moment, my world collapsed because it was the last time I saw my daughter," Ariel shared, as he was suddenly separated from his wife and child.
Deported to Mexico, a country with which he has no connections, Ariel was given just ten days to resolve his immigration status or leave the country. "Today it happened to me, but tomorrow it could happen to many others who are good people working hard," Ariel warned, still shaken by the speed and helplessness of his deportation.
His experience is part of a growing number of Cubans—estimated between 100 and 150—sent to Mexico under the U.S. policy of deporting migrants to third countries. Cruz Pentón and his wife, Alexandria Dowell, married in late 2022 and started their family life in Aurora, Colorado, with their young daughter.
"He is my world," confessed Dowell to Scripps News Denver. "He's so caring, a very hardworking man. We are a team... he inspires me to pursue my dreams and everything I want to achieve." The couple had initiated the process of filing Form I-130, the first step for a foreign spouse to obtain permanent residency in the U.S.
Unexpected Deportation and Legal Missteps
Moreover, Ariel held a valid work permit and regularly attended his immigration check-ins. During the most recent one, just three weeks before his arrest, everything seemed under control. However, Ariel was burdened by a final deportation order issued by an immigration judge in 2019 after entering the U.S. at the El Paso, Texas border.
Despite applying for political asylum and passing the credible fear interview, ICE coerced him into signing documents without proper legal guidance. One of these documents mistakenly stated he wasn't afraid to return to Cuba, invalidating his asylum claim. "They forced him to sign without knowing what it meant. That changed everything," Alexandria explained.
According to his lawyer, Carlos Mejías, such documents are often used to conclude immigration cases without ensuring immigrants understand the legal consequences. Ariel was taken by ICE without a warrant, intercepted by three unmarked vehicles. His wife searched for him at the Aurora detention center, where she was told, "Your husband isn't here."
She later found out he had been moved to a facility in El Paso, Texas, often a precursor to swift deportation.
Legal Hurdles and a Glimmer of Hope
While the family has appealed the deportation order and sought legal and political backing, options remain limited. Mejías notes that only an immigration waiver granted by USCIS might allow Ariel to return to the United States. This slim chance hinges on proving the severe hardship the separation has inflicted on his family.
"We pay our taxes. We do everything by the book. Every day I fear for his life," declared Dowell, now solely responsible for their daughter's care and household management. "My daughter asks about him daily. She sees his car and calls out for him. I have to lie and say he's at work. I'm hoping for a miracle." Journalist Javier Díaz reported that Alexandria is preparing to travel to Mexico to see her husband.
Understanding the Challenges of Deportation for Cuban Migrants
Why was Ariel Cruz Pentón deported to Mexico?
Ariel Cruz Pentón was deported to Mexico due to a final deportation order issued by an immigration judge in 2019, along with signing documents under ICE pressure that invalidated his asylum claim.
What legal steps did Ariel and his family take after the deportation?
The family appealed the deportation order and sought legal and political support. They are considering an immigration waiver from USCIS as a potential solution, although it remains a challenging process.
What impact has the deportation had on Ariel's family?
The deportation has left Ariel's wife, Alexandria Dowell, to manage their household and care for their daughter alone, causing emotional and financial strain. Their daughter frequently asks about her father, highlighting the family's distress.