A Cuban's Heartbreaking Account of Deportation: The Struggle of Being Separated from Family in the U.S.

A recent TikTok video shared by user @roxanamaldonado_ highlights the emotional turmoil experienced by Reinier Gutiérrez, a Cuban man deported back to Cuba in 2023. The video captures his ongoing struggle to cope with being separated from his family in the United States, more than two years after their forced separation.

Gutiérrez, a father of two young children, candidly shares his feelings of helplessness in being unable to support his wife and children from afar. "I'm Reinier, husband to Roxana and father to Luna and Lando," he begins. "I'm speaking to you from Cuba, where I am after being deported."

He describes the daily anguish he faces: "Each day, I wake up worried about how my wife manages alone without me. How does she handle buying gas, paying bills, managing our children's schooling, and trying to give them a normal childhood when I should be there?" The emotional impact is palpable as he adds, "I can't hug her when she's exhausted or comfort my kids when they're crying and asking about their dad. These are pains that cut deep."

Gutiérrez feels he is failing in his role as a father and family provider. "I can't contribute as the man of the house, as a father. The distance tears me apart," he says, expressing his frustration over being unable to offer financial or emotional support from Cuba. He calls for compassion and assistance: "I have no choice but to trust in God and the kindness of those willing to lend a helping hand."

He emphasizes that "each donation, no matter how small, provides relief for my wife and ensures a meal for my children because I have no means to support them from here."

Over Two Years of Separation

Reinier Gutiérrez was deported on June 22, 2023, following his detention in May under an expedited deportation order (I-220A). At the time, his youngest child was just three months old, an American citizen with health issues. His wife, Roxana Maldonado, also a U.S. citizen, revealed that they were not allowed to marry once he was detained, preventing them from pursuing a family-based immigration case.

In past statements to local media, Gutiérrez questioned the harshness of the process: "They showed no mercy, not even for a child who is an American citizen with health problems. My grandfather, an elderly American citizen, relies on me, as do many."

Roxana confirmed her husband's compliance with immigration authorities, noting his clean record and dedication to following the system's requirements. "He always reported as needed, never broke the law or system rules," she stated.

The Struggle to Stay Connected

In July 2025, Roxana shared a video about how life changed post-deportation. "Life after the deportation of a loved one, or in my case, my husband, is the hardest, most brutal, most humiliating experience one can endure," she expressed.

She highlighted the challenges of staying in touch due to poor connectivity in the rural area where her husband resides in Cuba. "I can't finish a conversation with him," she lamented, explaining their reliance on an old generator sent from the U.S. that often needs repairs.

A Long-Awaited Reunion

On July 3, Roxana traveled with her children to Cuba to reunite with Reinier. While she struggled to capture the moment due to shaky hands, she documented her arrival on TikTok, saying, "Finally, I'm in Cuba. Motembo is on fire!"

In another post, she explained that she made the journey to "reset" after more than two years of separation. The family strives to remain united amidst ongoing challenges of distance, technology, legal hurdles, and an uncertain future.

Community Reactions

The video sparked numerous comments from viewers offering support, empathy, and shared experiences. "It's heartbreaking to hear this man speak," one user commented, while another remarked, "Your wife is strong to handle this, trust in God." Several suggested seeking solutions in another country or celebrated the strength of family bonds.

The plight of Reinier and Roxana resonates deeply with others facing similar circumstances, highlighting the ongoing struggles of forced separation, immigration difficulties, and perpetual barriers to family reunification. Their story underscores that deportation is not an end but a persistent challenge in the lives of those divided by borders.