Mónica Mosquera, the daughter of Roberto Mosquera del Peral, a Cuban deported to Africa in mid-July, has refuted claims that her father is the dangerous criminal described by U.S. authorities and is seeking assistance to clarify his situation.
In recent statements to Univision, Mónica shared that she learned about her father's deportation to Eswatini, a small kingdom in southern Africa, through television reports. He was transferred there along with four other men.
What shocked her the most, she stated, was a post from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on social media, where they claimed that Roberto Mosquera, age 58, was deported following convictions for first-degree murder and aggravated assault, and that he was a confirmed member of the Latin Kings gang.
"I don’t understand why they’re saying all this about my dad. It’s not true. He’s a good man," declared the young woman.
According to Mónica, her father was 18 when he got involved in a gang dispute that resulted in someone getting injured, leading to an attempted murder charge.
The incident took place over two decades ago. Since his release from prison, Roberto has reportedly focused on working and supporting his family. However, his criminal record has prevented him from regularizing his immigration status in the U.S.
Nevertheless, his daughter insists that her father has served his sentence and has no pending legal issues. Her main concern now is that he remains in a maximum-security prison in Africa without charges or access to legal aid.
Adding to the complexity, Mosquera had occasionally shown support for President Trump on social media, a fact that leaves him feeling "betrayed."
"He’s very disappointed and heartbroken. He wanted to cry when we spoke," said Mónica Mosquera, who has not heard from her father for over a month.
Hunger Strike and Health Deterioration
It has recently been reported that Roberto Mosquera is on a hunger strike protesting his detention. He has been held for over three months in a maximum-security prison in Eswatini, without formal charges or access to an attorney, according to his legal representative in the United States.
Attorney Alma David stated in a communiqué sent to The Associated Press that her client had gone a week without food and that his health was rapidly declining. The statement urged Eswatini prison authorities to provide medical care and permit him to meet with his defense team.
However, a local government spokesperson referred inquiries to prison authorities, who did not respond immediately.
Deportation Program Under Scrutiny
Roberto Mosquera was among five men sent to Eswatini in July under a third-country deportation program initiated during the Trump administration, which has faced harsh criticism from human rights groups.
These organizations accuse Washington of violating due process and exposing deportees to abuse and arbitrary detention. According to international media, the other deported individuals were from Cuba, Jamaica, Laos, Vietnam, and Yemen. While the Jamaican has been repatriated, the others remain detained in Matsapha prison, near Mbabane, the capital.
A local attorney has filed a lawsuit in Eswatini courts to grant the foreigners access to legal defense, while civil organizations condemn the illegality of their imprisonment.
Eswatini, an absolute monarchy, has been criticized by international bodies for suppressing political and civil freedoms. Local authorities have stated that the men will be repatriated but did not specify when.
Secret Deals and Million-Dollar Payments
The Department of Homeland Security has defended the program as an "effective tool" to expel undocumented immigrants, allowing them to "self-deport" or be sent to countries willing to receive them.
However, Human Rights Watch has revealed that the U.S. paid millions to African governments to accept deportees: $5.1 million to Eswatini to receive up to 160 individuals and $7.5 million to Rwanda for up to 250.
Since July, nationals from several countries—including South Sudan, Rwanda, and Ghana—have been sent to Africa under these largely secret agreements. This month, another ten foreigners from Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Cuba, Chad, Ethiopia, and Congo were also transferred to Eswatini and are held in the same prison.
The detainees' attorneys report that they have been unable to meet with legal representatives and that their calls to the United States are monitored. The current health status of the inmates is also unknown.
"The fact that my client has resorted to such drastic measures shows the desperation and suffering they endure," said attorney Alma David.
"The governments of the United States and Eswatini must take responsibility for the human consequences of their agreement," she concluded.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns Regarding Deportations
What is the controversy surrounding the deportation program?
The deportation program has been criticized for violating due process and exposing deportees to potential abuse and arbitrary detention, as it involves sending individuals to third countries under secretive agreements.
Why is Roberto Mosquera in a maximum-security prison in Eswatini?
Roberto Mosquera is in a maximum-security prison in Eswatini following his deportation under a controversial U.S. program. He is held without formal charges or access to legal representation, which has led to him starting a hunger strike in protest.