Rogelio Enrique Bolufé Izquierdo, a former major in Cuba's Ministry of the Interior and once part of Fidel Castro's security detail, is facing a pivotal deportation hearing in the United States this Thursday. He claims he has been denied access to crucial legal documents that could prevent his return to Cuba.
This allegation was uncovered by Source New Mexico, an independent news organization known for its investigative reporting on state government, public policy, and officials in New Mexico. Bolufé, currently detained at the Torrance County Detention Facility operated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and managed by CoreCivic, spoke with the outlet via phone.
"If I go back to Cuba, my life is at risk," Bolufé stated during the interview, conducted in Spanish. He asserts that he would face imprisonment, torture, and retaliation for his dissident stance and open support of Donald Trump.
The Crisis at Torrance County Detention Facility
The detention center where Bolufé is held has been operating without a valid contract since October 31, due to the partial shutdown of the federal government. Despite this, ICE continues to detain around 550 immigrants there.
The conditions have raised concerns even among U.S. officials. Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich has urged ICE to relocate the immigrants until a legitimate contract is in place to govern the facility's operations.
However, Bolufé claims the crisis is longstanding. He describes how he and other migrants have faced numerous challenges accessing legal counsel, the law library, or receiving legal materials, including books sent by his former partner, Haymel de la Vega, which never reached him.
In a letter to Source New Mexico, co-signed by six other detainees, Bolufé outlines a pattern of rights violations and deliberate obstructions that hinder their defense, including poor-quality phone calls, interruptions by staff during attorney consultations, and over 30 unaddressed requests to use the law library.
"Accessing the library is practically impossible," Bolufé wrote.
Allegations of Abuse and Inhumane Conditions
Before arriving in New Mexico, Bolufé was detained at a facility nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," where he claims he was shackled for 24 to 36 hours under freezing conditions, with lights constantly on and guards hurling racist insults.
Bolufé reports losing mobility in one hand and continues to suffer from pain and numbness.
Among the documents ICE allegedly withholds are testimonials from others who experienced similar abuse at that center, which could support his case before immigration judge Brock E. Taylor.
A Controversial Past and Uncertain Future
Rogelio Bolufé's public story is fraught with contradictions, power, and suspicion. Previously, he served over 15 years on Fidel Castro's personal security team, reportedly living in Castro's home at times. Various sources have placed him among the closest circles of the Castro regime.
Yet, upon his arrival in the U.S. in 2020, his statements were as inconsistent as they were controversial. In interviews, he expressed a desire to "liberate Cuba" while also expressing pride in his previous roles within the regime, leading some analysts to speculate he might be a double agent.
His life in Miami added to the confusion. Bolufé never secured residency, a work permit, or stable immigration status. Nonetheless, he mingled with exile communities, posted photos with Sandro Castro and other members of the Castro family, and presented himself as an opponent of the regime.
The Arrest that Led to Immigration Limbo
Bolufé was arrested on August 17, 2025, in Miami-Dade for cocaine possession following a police stop. Although he denied the drugs were his, the arrest led ICE to take him into custody.
His situation became even more precarious when it was revealed he lacked residency, a visa, or work permit in the U.S., making him deportable at any time.
Complicating matters further, the Cuban government has placed him on their National List of Persons Linked to Terrorism, citing alleged plots against infrastructure. This designation leaves him in a gray area where Cuba labels him a "terrorist," but ICE is considering deporting him to Mexico or Ecuador, countries he passed through before reaching the United States.
With his fate hanging in the balance, Bolufé says his only hope is divine intervention.
"I ask for prayers because God is with us all the time," he told the American news outlet.
Key Questions on Rogelio Bolufé's Case
Why is Rogelio Bolufé facing deportation from the U.S.?
Bolufé is facing deportation due to his arrest for cocaine possession and his lack of residency, visa, or work permit in the United States.
What are the conditions at the Torrance County Detention Facility?
The facility operates without a current contract due to a federal shutdown, and detainees, including Bolufé, report obstacles in accessing legal resources and poor detention conditions.
What risks does Bolufé face if deported to Cuba?
Bolufé claims that returning to Cuba would put his life in danger, as he anticipates imprisonment, torture, and retaliation for his dissident activities and support for Donald Trump.
Why is Bolufé considered a controversial figure?
Bolufé's past roles with Fidel Castro's security and his contradictory statements upon arriving in the U.S. have fueled debate about his true loyalties and intentions.