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Mother Bids Farewell to Son in Cuba as He Leaves for the U.S. with Father: "The Hardest Thing I've Ever Experienced"

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 by Oscar Guevara

A video featuring Melisa Delgado (@meli_nail_01), a Cuban mother saying goodbye to her young son at a Cuban airport, has touched the hearts of thousands on social media. The footage captures her kneeling to give him a tight embrace before his departure, accompanied by her heartfelt words: “I thought I was strong until I had to say goodbye and let my baby go at that airport.”

Melisa made the difficult choice to voluntarily leave the United States after being detained by ICE for 70 days. It was a heart-wrenching decision, driven by her hopes for her family's future. Now, living apart from her partner, her son has returned to the U.S. to be with his father. “Saying goodbye to my baby was the hardest thing I've faced in my 26 years,” she admitted.

The emotional farewell, filmed amidst tears, depicts a mother striving to remain strong as her son, not fully grasping the situation, clings to her tightly. “My heart was slowly breaking as I watched him leave,” Melisa expressed, remaining hopeful for a future reunion. “God will reward me for all the tears and suffering,” she added.

Her story evoked numerous supportive comments from people, expressing empathy and encouragement. “So much suffering, it broke my heart,” one user noted. “Only mothers know this pain,” another remarked. While some criticized her choices, the overwhelming sentiment was admiration for her courage and strength in enduring a situation no one wishes to face.

Melisa had previously shared other challenging aspects of her life, including her detention and the ensuing uncertainty. In a more recent video, she captured the moment her son was reunited with his father in the United States after a three-month separation, a scene that brought a measure of relief amid the sorrow.

Understanding the Emotional Challenges of Family Separation

Why did Melisa Delgado decide to leave the United States?

Melisa Delgado chose to leave the United States voluntarily after being detained by ICE for 70 days, in hopes of securing a better future for her family.

How did Melisa's story impact social media users?

Her story moved thousands of social media users, many of whom expressed empathy and support, acknowledging the courage it takes to face such a difficult situation.

What future hopes does Melisa have after her separation from her son?

Melisa remains hopeful for a reunion with her son, believing that her challenges will lead to better days ahead.

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