Leidys Barrabi, a 25-year-old Cuban entrepreneur living in Miami, has publicly shared that she has received a deportation order after spending four years building her life in the United States. During her time, she established a beauty salon from scratch and raised her daughter.
In an emotional video posted on TikTok on June 27, Barrabi expressed the shock of the news in her own words: “After creating a successful salon in Miami and providing a stable life for my daughter and family, this news hit me. Now, I'm uncertain about tomorrow, the next chapter of my life remains unknown.”
Despite the setback, the young mother remains resolute, sending a message of determination: “Although I don't have all the answers today, I still believe that God is guiding my life. I will continue to fight harder than ever because there's something greater than my fears: the desire to move forward and build the best future for my daughter and family.”
The Emotional Toll of Uncertainty
Barrabi acknowledged the emotional burden of living under such a threat: “Only immigrants who have faced similar situations understand how difficult it is to live with this uncertainty.”
Her Instagram post exceeded 757,000 views, garnered 49,000 likes, and received 3,200 comments within 24 hours, with a flood of supportive messages from the Cuban and Latino communities.
Legal Pathways and Challenges
From a legal perspective, the deportation order she received isn't necessarily final. Barrabi has the right to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals within 30 days, although the Department of Justice proposed in February 2026 to reduce this period to 10 days.
It is crucial for her to not only file an appeal but also request a stay of deportation, as appealing alone does not automatically halt the process.
Impact of Immigration Policies
Barrabi's case is part of a broader trend of stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration. Between March 2025 and April 2026, Miami witnessed 12,599 immigrant arrests, representing 10% of the national total, with ICE arrests of Cubans surging by 463% during that time.
Currently, over 42,000 Cubans have active deportation orders in the United States, and within the first five months of 2026, 612 Cubans were deported in 18 operations from the country.
Stories of Other Cuban Immigrants
Similar stories have emerged in recent months. Cuban mother Heydi Sánchez Tejeda was deported from Tampa in April 2025 during a routine ICE appointment; Diana Fonseca chose voluntary departure in May 2026 before her immigration hearing; and another Cuban mother returned to Cuba voluntarily after four years in the country out of fear of an ICE summons.
Barrabi urged her followers to join in prayer for her and all immigrants in similar situations. She expressed her ambition to reach a thousand followers and turn her content into another means of supporting her family.
Understanding U.S. Immigration Challenges for Cubans
What legal options does Leidys Barrabi have following her deportation order?
Leidys Barrabi can appeal the deportation order to the Board of Immigration Appeals within 30 days, and she should also request a stay of deportation to prevent her removal during the appeal process.
How have immigration policies affected Cuban immigrants in the U.S.?
Immigration policies under the Trump administration have led to a substantial increase in ICE arrests of Cuban immigrants, with Miami seeing a significant number of these arrests, contributing to a climate of fear and uncertainty among the community.