The family of José Manuel Allende, a Cuban man who arrived in the United States as an infant, is speaking out after he was detained last week in Florida, facing possible deportation after 58 years in the country. According to a report by WESH, Allende arrived with his family in 1967 through the Freedom Flights program, which brought hundreds of thousands of Cubans to the U.S. between 1965 and 1973. At the time, Allende was just two years old.
His daughter, Sheena Allende-Smith, recounted that the arrest took place on Friday when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) came to their home shortly after she had taken her younger sister to school. "My dad made himself a coffee, stepped out in front of the house, and was met by ICE and Homeland Security," she explained.
The arrest was part of a statewide immigration control operation targeting construction sites, resulting in 150 arrests in Brevard County. Allende, now a small business owner, holds a driver's license, a Social Security number, a home, a car, and is a father to two children—one who is a minor and the other with a disability, according to his daughter. "He's not illegal. He's like any of us, just another citizen," she emphasized.
Allende has a criminal record from over twenty years ago and has never been able to secure U.S. citizenship. In 2016, he was issued a deportation order, but courts stated he could not be expelled if he was under the Cuban Family Reunification Parole program, where he has remained for the last nine years. "They came legally; the government invited them in and now tells them to leave. Why should he go after 58 years?" questioned his daughter. "It's not fair to us as his children. I'm an adult, but he's still my dad," she added.
The situation of Cubans detained by immigration authorities in the U.S. has sparked concern and tension within exile communities. Recently, a woman reported her husband's deportation after 23 years in the U.S., describing the process as devastating for her family, especially given the absence of recent crimes or security threats.
ICE operations have involved diverse profiles. In one instance, an undocumented Cuban was detained after threatening another man with a knife during a neighborhood dispute, while another arrest involved a person allegedly linked to the Sureños 13 gang. These cases demonstrate the authorities' firm response to situations deemed risky.
However, there are also instances where detentions occur under more complex circumstances. A July 11th protester, exiled in the U.S., was arrested and later released, prompting criticism over the lack of clear criteria in these processes. The Cuban man asserted that his detention was unjustified, claiming he poses no threat.
In contrast, there are positive outcomes as well. A 20-year-old was released after being detained and expressed his ambition to become a firefighter, highlighting the importance of second chances and community support in these immigration processes.
Understanding Cuban Deportations from the U.S.
What is the Cuban Family Reunification Parole program?
The Cuban Family Reunification Parole program allows certain eligible U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to apply for parole for their family members in Cuba, enabling them to enter the U.S. before their immigrant visa becomes available.
Why are there concerns about Cuban deportations in the U.S.?
Concerns arise due to the impact on families and communities, especially when deportations involve individuals who have lived in the U.S. for decades without recent criminal activity or threats to security.
How do ICE operations impact Cuban communities in the U.S.?
ICE operations can create fear and instability within Cuban communities, leading to separations of families and uncertainty about the future for many who have long considered the U.S. their home.