Cuban influencer Eliecer Ávila has voiced his outrage over the voluntary deportation of Cuban national Deivy Alemán Oropesa, who left the United States after being ordered to do so by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Alemán, who had spent over seven years living in the U.S., is married to an American citizen and has a seriously ill daughter. Despite these circumstances, immigration authorities threatened him with imprisonment and forced deportation if he did not leave by September 14.
Ávila questioned the U.S. immigration system in a video shared on social media. "Is there truly no one in the United States capable of reviewing this case?" he asked. "Is there no judge or immigration officer who can say, 'Let's solve this'? What harm has he done? None."
Known for his Republican stance and support for Donald Trump, Ávila surprised many with his critical remarks about the U.S. immigration system. "With so many criminals, informants, and oppressors roaming free in this country, why target Deivy? Why make him the focus?" he added.
The Controversy Surrounding Deivy Alemán's Deportation
Residing in Orlando, Florida, Alemán chose to voluntarily leave the country on Sunday, September 14, to avoid ICE detention and forced deportation. He is married to Cuban-American Yisel Miguel Sarduy, and they have a two-year-old daughter in need of a heart transplant.
Journalist Javier Díaz has documented Alemán's case from the beginning, describing the self-deportation images as "deeply saddening." Since returning to Palmira, Cienfuegos, Alemán has expressed his anguish and hopelessness. "It's been three days without seeing my daughter. We did everything together—shopping, doctor visits. I can't help from here. There's no work, no way to send money," he explained to the press.
Alemán entered the U.S. through the border in 2017, worked as an Uber driver, paid taxes, and maintained a clean criminal record. His only "fault" was entering the country irregularly, leading to a deportation order that ICE eventually executed.
A Family on the Brink
Yisel, his wife, stopped working to care for their daughter, who has undergone three open-heart surgeries. Deivy was the family's sole breadwinner. "I practically see myself living on the street. How do I care for my daughter and pay rent?" Yisel confessed, visibly shaken.
Although the couple has a family reunification petition (form I-130) in progress, the waiting period remains uncertain. Their only hope is that public pressure and legal support will expedite the process.
Outcry Against Immigration Policies
The case has sparked a wave of indignation on social media. Users and activists are denouncing the "inhumanity" of the process. Attorney Rosaly Chaviano explained that Alemán was under immigration supervision (form I-220B) and highlighted that humanitarian factors are not being considered in the current policy.
Ávila concluded his remarks with a bitter reflection: "If there are no criminals, oppressors, or gang members left in the United States, then I accept that they go after those without documents. But that's not the case. They are exiling the innocent."
FAQ on Cuban Deportation and Family Reunification
What led to Deivy Alemán's deportation from the United States?
Deivy Alemán was deported due to an immigration order by ICE, despite having lived in the U.S. for over seven years, being married to a U.S. citizen, and having a seriously ill daughter. His irregular entry into the country was the primary reason for his deportation.
How has Deivy Alemán's deportation affected his family?
Alemán's deportation has left his family without their sole provider, as his wife Yisel is unable to work while caring for their daughter, who requires constant medical attention. They face financial instability and uncertainty regarding family reunification.
What are the potential solutions for reuniting Alemán with his family?
The family has a pending I-130 family reunification petition, but the timeline is uncertain. Public pressure and legal advocacy could potentially speed up the process or lead to a reconsideration of Alemán's case based on humanitarian grounds.