A Cuban family residing in Orlando, Florida, is going through a harrowing ordeal following an order from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for Deivy Alemán Oropesa to leave the country. Alemán is the father of a two-year-old American girl in need of heart surgery. His wife, Yisel Miguel Sarduy, shared their plight with Telemundo 51 journalist Eduardo "Yusnaby" Rodríguez, expressing concern over the impending separation of their family just as their daughter, who has already undergone two open-heart surgeries, faces another critical procedure.
Alemán, who has lived in the United States for seven years, working and paying taxes without any criminal history, was blindsided at his recent immigration check-in. He was handed a deportation notice, fitted with an electronic ankle monitor, and given 14 days to voluntarily leave the country or face arrest, as reported by Telemundo 51.
"My greatest fear is for my daughter. I don't want her to go through another surgery without me. I simply ask to stay here, working, and taking care of my family," Alemán pleaded to Rodríguez. Immigration attorney Rosaly Chaviano explained that Alemán received an I-220B form, a supervision order applied to individuals with a final deportation order. Although his marriage to a U.S. citizen and his daughter's health are potential considerations for a legal appeal, the current administration is largely overlooking humanitarian factors.
The family insists they are not seeking financial support, but rather the chance for Alemán to remain in the U.S. while their daughter receives necessary medical treatment. They have submitted letters from cardiologists and pediatricians highlighting the medical urgency and have appealed for intervention from congress members or senators before the two-week deadline expires. Returning to Cuba, they warn, is not an option due to the inadequate healthcare system and resource shortages that could endanger their daughter's life.
In various social media videos, Yisel Miguel Sarduy has called upon the solidarity of the Cuban community and urged that their appeal reach Cuban-American congress members or anyone who can intervene on her husband's behalf. "My daughter needs both of her parents together. I have to be with her, caring for her, while my husband works to support our family. I'm begging for your help; my voice needs to be heard," she implored in a heartfelt message online.
Cuban migrants in the U.S. are currently facing increased detentions by ICE amid a crackdown on immigration policies that prioritize deporting individuals with final removal orders. Even those without criminal records and with ongoing legal proceedings are being detained, causing distress and fear within the migrant community, as many of these arrests occur during routine immigration appointments.
This Wednesday, another case emerged concerning a Cuban mother who tearfully reported her husband's detention by ICE agents in the United States. The detained individual, Rainier Rodríguez Delgado, was issued a deportation order after crossing the southern border. His wife stated that she and their daughter are enduring significant distress following the incident on Monday.
Deportations have a devastating impact on Cuban families, separating parents from children and leaving households without their primary financial support. The emotional and psychological trauma is profound, especially for children who witness their parents being detained and expelled from the country.
FAQ on Cuban Migrants' Deportation from the U.S.
What factors could help prevent Deivy Alemán's deportation?
Deivy Alemán's marriage to a U.S. citizen and his daughter's critical health condition could be factors in a legal appeal to prevent his deportation.
How is the current U.S. administration handling humanitarian factors in deportation cases?
Under the current administration, humanitarian factors are largely being overlooked in deportation cases, making it difficult for individuals like Deivy Alemán to argue their cases based on family and health considerations.
What are the potential consequences for Cuban families facing deportation?
Deportations can separate families, leaving children without their parents and households without financial support. The emotional and psychological impact is significant, particularly for children.