Cuban Father in Florida Ordered to Leave U.S. by ICE Despite Daughter's Health Crisis

Deivy Alemán Oropesa, a Cuban resident in Florida for the past seven years, finds himself in a distressing situation after receiving a notice from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to leave the country, despite his young daughter’s serious heart condition requiring further open-heart surgeries.

Journalist Javier Díaz shared on Facebook that Alemán Oropesa attended a routine appointment with ICE on September 8, where he was informed that he must depart the United States voluntarily by September 14. This decision leaves his family facing a future filled with uncertainty and potentially painful separation.

“This is a heartbreaking case where humanitarian reasons or being an exemplary migrant do not matter; if you have a deportation order, you are going to be deported,” emphasized Díaz. The Cuban's plight became known weeks earlier when it was revealed that his daughter had undergone three heart surgeries and needs more medical procedures.

While Alemán Oropesa works to support the family, his wife is dedicated to caring for their daughter. The journalist cautions that his deportation would mean the loss of financial support during a complex and costly medical process.

In a subsequent post, Díaz noted, “Friends, it’s a sad decision for the Cuban Davy Alemán Oropesa… he attended a routine appointment and was told he must leave the United States by September 14.” He also highlighted that Alemán Oropesa has no criminal record, and his only "offense" was entering the country irregularly, resulting in a deportation order now being enforced.

The voluntary departure order means that if he does not leave by the specified date, he could be arrested at any time and taken to a detention center, awaiting forced deportation. This case has sparked solidarity on social media, with many questioning ICE's lack of compassion towards such humanitarian situations.

Ironically, the decision was communicated on September 8, the Feast Day of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, Cuba's patron saint, adding a painful and symbolic element for the migrant and his family. Yisel Miguel Sarduy, Alemán Oropesa’s wife, expressed gratitude on social media for the concern shown by others and highlighted the difficult situation at the Orlando ICE office, affecting several families.

She noted that they had hoped the authorities would consider the child’s medical evidence and halt the deportation, but “it was to no avail.” This Cuban family has turned to Change.org to launch a campaign in defense of Deivy Alemán Oropesa, seeking public support to prevent a measure that would endanger their daughter’s life and well-being due to her severe heart condition.

The petition underscores that Deivy has lived in the U.S. for over seven years, with no criminal background and adherence to all laws. His family already has an approved I-130 petition, demonstrating efforts to legalize their status. Nevertheless, ICE demands he leave the country by September 14, ignoring the humanitarian aspects of his case.

Stories like Alemán Oropesa’s highlight the predicament of thousands of Cuban migrants in the United States who, even after years of residence, remain under the threat of deportation orders. For them, legal avenues are dwindling, and their daily lives are overshadowed by uncertainty.

For now, the family hopes for a resolution that allows them to stay together and secure their daughter's medical care. However, time is running out: the deadline given by ICE for leaving the country is September 14.