Juan Héctor Villafaña Cedeño entered the United States in September 2023 with a humanitarian parole, worked diligently for several months, and ultimately faced deportation back to Cuba after an immigration order was enforced in his absence, without consideration of his medical condition.
His story gained attention this week through a video posted on Facebook, where the deported Cuban recounted his ordeal, filmed while wearing a mask somewhere on the island.
The Journey to the United States
Villafaña crossed the border on September 27, 2023, at the Nogales port in Arizona, through an appointment arranged via the CBP One app. He was granted a two-year parole.
"The first thing I did was work, work, and work," he states in the video. He had an open case before an immigration court, but on August 28, 2024, he missed the hearing, confusing it with an appointment with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The judge issued a deportation order in his absence, legally referred to as an in absentia order.
Assault and Coma
Six days after the missed hearing, Villafaña was attacked, leaving him in a medically induced coma for several months, as he was transferred from hospital to hospital and clinic to clinic.
"I understand there's a 30 to 180-day period to explain why one misses court," he recounted. "I couldn’t explain why because if I’m in a coma fighting for my life for several months, I had no means to do so," he added.
While the coma does not explain his court absence—the attack happened six days later—it could justify why he couldn’t file a motion to reopen the case within the 180-day window set by immigration law.
Seeking Legal Status and Arrest
Once he partially recovered, Villafaña traveled on his own to San Antonio, Texas, with his medications and documents, intending to present himself before the judge. "I was looking for a status, something legal," he mentioned.
However, upon identifying himself, immigration authorities arrested him and sent him to a detention center. "They arrested me, sent me to a prison, not considering that I am a high-priority hospital care patient," he lamented. "I became nervous, and they deported me to Cuba," he detailed.
Struggles Without Medical Support in Cuba
Back in Cuba, Villafaña lacks access to the medications prescribed in the United States. "Here in Cuba, I have no medicines, nothing. The little health care I can afford is buying drugs from the black market," he explains.
His pulmonary condition is a significant concern: "I continue to cough up dark secretions from my lungs. I know I’m not well because I haven’t had a CT scan here. I don’t have a psychologist, I don’t have a psychiatrist."
A Plea for Help
The video concludes with a direct appeal to lawyers, content creators, and Texas authorities to review his case. "I am at God’s mercy all the time because everyone knows that Cuba is the worst country in the world right now, and I find myself in the middle of it," he says.
"Please review my case because it’s overwhelming, and I know I can’t handle it all," he concluded.
Legal Avenues and Challenges
U.S. immigration law allows for a motion to reopen an in absentia order within 180 days if exceptional circumstances beyond the immigrant’s control are proven. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over Texas, acknowledges that deadlines may be extended when extraordinary obstacles prevented action, and the individual demonstrated diligence.
Additionally, the U visa is available for victims of certain serious crimes who cooperate with authorities and can be applied for from abroad. As of June 2026, 1,600 Cubans received deportation orders, with 68% issued in absence.
Villafaña's case highlights the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. Stay updated on parole, deportations, and immigrant rights in our U.S. Immigration section.
Understanding U.S. Immigration Challenges
What is an in absentia deportation order?
An in absentia deportation order is issued by an immigration judge when an individual fails to appear for their scheduled court hearing. This order is made in the person's absence and can result in deportation.
How can someone reopen a deportation order in the U.S.?
An individual can request to reopen a deportation order within 180 days if they can demonstrate exceptional circumstances that prevented them from attending their hearing. Proof of these circumstances and diligence in addressing the matter are required.
What support is available for crime victims facing deportation?
The U visa is available to victims of specific serious crimes who assist law enforcement. This visa can offer protection and a pathway to legal status, even if the individual is outside the U.S.