Florida Police Arrest Cuban on Parole for DUI: "They're Going to Deport Me!"

A Cuban national, who had been granted humanitarian parole, was apprehended in Sarasota, Florida, after being found driving under the influence and with an expired driver's license. Video footage captured by police body cameras in late August, and shared on the Instagram account of UniVista TV, shows the man visibly distressed, repeatedly exclaiming, "Don't do this to me! They're going to deport me!"

Aware of his precarious immigration status, he understood that the repercussions of his arrest could be severe. A DUI charge can lead to the revocation of his legal status and potentially initiate deportation proceedings back to Cuba. The video depicts the Cuban behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle—a Mercedes-Benz SLK—when stopped by law enforcement. Upon the officer's command, he exited the car and underwent a roadside sobriety test. He struggled to walk in a straight line and was eventually handcuffed.

During the arrest, an officer, maintaining a respectful demeanor, told him, "Iván, I know you're not a bad person, but you made a bad choice. That was your decision," emphasizing the personal responsibility for his actions. Driving under the influence is a serious offense in the United States, even more so for individuals with temporary or pending immigration status. Local reports indicate that the Cuban also had his parole suspended, further complicating his legal standing.

The Impact on Cuban Immigrants

This incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media. While some advocate for strict enforcement of the law without exceptions, others argue that many immigrants face significant vulnerabilities, leading them to squander the opportunities they receive upon arriving in the United States.

The case of the Cuban arrested in Sarasota emerges during a period of heightened uncertainty for the immigrant community in the U.S., particularly following measures by former President Donald Trump, which granted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increased powers to expedite deportation processes.

Community Voices and Legal Precautions

In response to rising anxiety among beneficiaries of immigration programs such as Parole or Cubans holding documents like I-220A and I-220B, host Alexander Otaola sought to reassure individuals through his program earlier this year. "If you have your job, have completed your paperwork, are in the process of adjusting your status, have your license up to date, and your car insurance is current, you won't have issues; you won't be deported," he stated, addressing those who comply with legal requirements and lack criminal records.

The influencer emphasized that those at greatest risk of deportation are individuals with criminal backgrounds or those who have committed crimes in the United States. In this context, the arrest of the Cuban in Sarasota gains significance: a DUI incident not only carries criminal penalties but can also be a decisive factor in determining their ability to remain in the country.

Legal Advice for Cuban Parole Holders

Immigration experts stress that Cubans under supervisory status, such as I-220B holders, must exercise caution to avoid offenses that could hasten their removal from the United States. Although the Cuban Adjustment Act offers a pathway to permanent residency after one year, the process can become challenging if the immigrant has existing legal issues.