Billy Rodríguez, a Cuban boxer and Pan-American medalist who left an official delegation in 2022, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Miami. At 28 years old, Rodríguez was under parole with the I-220A immigration status, awaiting his court date for political asylum in 2027. His arrest has caused distress among his family and the sports community, fearing his potential deportation back to Cuba, where he could face repercussions for his defection.
Rodríguez escaped from a Cuban delegation in Mexico following an international competition in August 2022, subsequently crossing into the United States in pursuit of freedom and career opportunities. Once in the U.S., he signed with TBT Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions, two prominent professional boxing companies, amassing an undefeated record with six knockout victories.
Unexpected Detention: How It Happened
The arrest occurred on Sunday, August 10, after Rodríguez was involved in a car accident while heading to his mother-in-law’s home to pick up milk for his child. Police officers detained him and handed him over to immigration authorities. His wife, Lisandra Jardines, recounted to journalist Mario Vallejo of Univision how she learned of the incident. "I received a call from him saying 'I'm detained.' I asked, 'How can you be detained?' He replied, 'Yes, I had an accident, and they didn't let me explain anything, they just took me. Find a bondsman,'" she recalled, visibly shaken.
Lisandra quickly mobilized with their child to arrange bail, which she was told would secure his release within hours. However, by the end of the day, the situation had changed: "At eight in the evening, they called me and said it wasn't up to them. It was an immigration matter, and they had taken his case."
Rodríguez was transferred to the ICE detention center in Miramar, Broward County, where he remains. The family has not received a formal explanation for the arrest, despite his active asylum process and a scheduled USCIS appointment on September 13.
Fear of Being Returned to Cuba
The prospect of deportation to Cuba is a source of anxiety for Rodríguez's family. "You are a deserter, you can't enter Cuba… you go to prison. You have your family here, your child… my son's first birthday is on Monday… everything, everything," his wife tearfully expressed, reflecting on the Cuban regime's unforgiving stance toward those who abandon official delegations.
In 2022, the JIT media outlet harshly criticized his decision. "Turning his back on contractual obligations, Billy Rodríguez chose not to return to Cuba after debuting in professional boxing. We condemn his attitude, which goes against his commitments," the sports portal stated.
Shock in the Sports Community
The arrest took Rodríguez's technical team by surprise. Coach Franco González confirmed the news to Telemundo 51, stating, "I was surprised Billy didn't show up for training. That's when I received a call from his wife, Lisandra, saying he had been detained." Rodríguez had been training intensively for a title fight in September. With an undefeated record of six knockout wins, his career was gaining momentum with the support of Miguel Cotto Promotions and TBT Promotions.
Trainer Eufrasio González told El Nuevo Herald, "I hope everything resolves favorably for Billy because he cannot return to Cuba. He came to this country to fulfill his dreams of being a world champion and left the Cuban sports system to be a free man."
Although Rodríguez had an active immigration appointment for 2027 and signed annually with USCIS as part of his asylum process, his I-220A status does not guarantee protection against unexpected detentions. This form of parole has left thousands of Cubans in a legal limbo that can shift due to administrative reasons or changing immigration policies.
A Family Torn Apart and a Missed Birthday
Beyond the legal drama, the human impact is profound. The boxer's son turns one this week and won't be able to celebrate with his father. "This has been a very hard blow for everyone in the family. We were preparing for the party. Now our world has collapsed," Lisandra told El Nuevo Herald.
The family has enlisted attorney Wilfredo Allen for legal defense. "I contacted the lawyer's office to try and make the U.S. government understand that deporting a deserter athlete is like handing him over to a Cuban prison," Lisandra stressed in her statements to Univision.
Before his detention, Billy Rodríguez gave an interview to the Herald where he expressed his determination as an athlete and exile: "I came here to succeed and I trust in who I am and what I've accomplished. I'm a disciplined boxer who focuses on my goals and doesn't stop until I achieve them," he said. His career, initially boosted by Rivalta Boxing, found new energy with Cotto Promotions, positioning him as an emerging figure in the professional circuit.
As of the closing of this article, there is no additional information on the case.
Key Questions About Billy Rodríguez's Case
What led to Billy Rodríguez's arrest by ICE?
Rodríguez was arrested after being involved in a car accident on August 10. Police detained him and handed him over to immigration authorities, leading to his current situation.
Why is Rodríguez's family concerned about deportation?
His family fears he could face imprisonment or other repercussions in Cuba for defecting from an official delegation, as the Cuban government is known for punishing such actions.
What is the significance of Rodríguez's I-220A status?
The I-220A status is a form of parole that allows immigrants to stay in the U.S. while awaiting asylum proceedings. However, it does not provide protection against sudden detentions.