Roberto Ruiz Torres, originally from Matanzas, Cuba, has spent nearly 30 years surviving on the streets of Miami. His story, highlighted by the Facebook page Conducta Dade, unveils the harsh realities of migration: uprootedness, loneliness, and the relentless battle to live without a roof or close family support.
In a video shared on the platform, Roberto, now 73, recounts his arrival in the United States during the Mariel boatlift in 1980, when he was a young man with no family to turn to. From that point on, his life was marred by mistakes, poor decisions, and a lack of legal means to rebuild his path.
"I made bad choices, and I paid dearly for them. The saddest part is living on the street, without doors, without windows, without anyone to protect you. We get robbed, we fight for a bit of food. We're alive by God's grace, but we don't have a life," he confessed.
Roberto claims that over these 27 years, he has worked whenever possible, whether as a fisherman or painter. He has also stayed in temporary shelters but is always evicted after a few days. "I've never been handed the keys to an apartment. Like many others, I struggle, but without documents, it's impossible. Everything is so expensive in this country, people want to help but can't," he lamented.
Longing for Home and Family
His narrative is interwoven with nostalgia for Cuba and the pain of not having reunited with his family in Matanzas. He maintains occasional contact with his sisters and nephews thanks to friends' help, and while each call is a relief, it also brings deep sorrow: "They want the best for me, for me to be well, to hear from me."
The harshness of his daily life on the streets is evident in his words: violence, insecurity, hunger, and the constant sense of being invisible to society. "Right now, no one is safe here. They rob you, beat you to take a bicycle. We sleep on the sidewalk, it's the most terrible thing. It's another world, an underworld with no laws, only the strongest survive," he denounced.
A Life of Pride Amidst Hardship
Despite his bitter experience, Roberto maintains an inner pride: he never got involved in drug trafficking or violent crimes. "That's what keeps me alive: I haven't harmed anyone, I haven't sold poison, I haven't stolen," he stated.
Today, at 73, he describes himself as "dead while alive" and acknowledges that many in his situation end up dying under a bridge or on a sidewalk. However, he also delivers a message to the younger generations: steer clear of the false dreams of easy money and hold on to faith.
"Jesus Christ is the only one who keeps us alive. I've saved lives for many years: in cars, in canals, on the beach, in the sea..., because he placed me there, I've never failed him. Only God has the answer, men do not," he assured.
In his farewell, the Cuban sent a message filled with love and remorse to his family on the island: "I love you all so much, I've always missed you, I apologize. Knowing you haven't forgotten me gives me the strength to keep living."
The account of Roberto Ruiz Torres is a heartbreaking portrayal of a reality faced by many migrants in the United States: abandonment and exclusion, but also resilience and faith as the last refuge.
Understanding the Struggles of Cuban Migrants
What challenges do Cuban migrants face in the United States?
Cuban migrants often face challenges such as lack of legal documentation, homelessness, unemployment, and separation from family. These issues can lead to isolation and difficulties in finding stable housing and work.
How does Roberto Ruiz Torres survive on the streets of Miami?
Roberto survives by working when possible, staying in temporary shelters, and relying on his faith. Despite the challenges, he maintains a sense of pride in not engaging in criminal activities.