Alexis Malagón, a Cuban national who entered the United States in 2014 with a parole status and a valid work permit until 2029, has been in ICE detention for more than a year without facing criminal charges, according to a report by Diario Las Américas released on Thursday.
The incident transpired on September 9, 2025, when Malagón was driving his truck through Texas. His wife, Nayare Rodríguez, recounted the events: "He was driving the truck when a sheriff stopped him and instructed him to proceed to the weigh station. Upon arrival, ICE was there, requested his documents, and subsequently arrested him."
Initially, Malagón was taken to the Eden Detention Center in Texas, before being moved to the Diamondback Correctional Facility in Watonga, Oklahoma. This private facility, operated by CoreCivic, was reopened in December 2025 as a migration detention center with a capacity of approximately 2,160 individuals.
Struggles in Detention
In a video call with the media, Malagón stated, "I have now been detained for one year and 18 days." He offered limited details about his case, saying, "I remain stuck."
Malagón's legal battles involve three main issues: a denied asylum request that is under appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) with a pending motion to reopen proceedings; a federal habeas corpus petition filed in March with the Northern District of Texas, also unresolved; and two bond requests that have been denied.
The second bond denial cited flight risk, despite the judge not perceiving him as a threat to the community.
Family and Business Impact
Malagón has voiced complaints that detention conditions hinder his ability to mount a defense, citing "numerous obstacles in gathering the evidence they require." He also highlighted issues with food, particularly "a lack of protein," complaints echoed by civil rights organizations about conditions at Diamondback.
The impact on his family has been severe. Rodríguez, who resides in Miami, has not been able to visit him: "I haven't been able to see him because he is too far away and I can't afford to stop working." Their business, NYA Transportation Inc., which operated interstate with three trucks and two vans, has collapsed in his absence.
"He was the mechanic, he did everything. When there wasn't a driver, he would drive, and without him, everything fell apart," she told Diario de las Américas. "We lost everything, everything, everything."
Rodríguez did not foresee the arrest due to her husband's valid work permit and lack of criminal record. "I didn't think he'd have any issues given the circumstances," she said.
"I really miss my husband because he was the cornerstone of our family, he was everything to me," she concluded.
Changing Times for Cuban Parole Holders
This case emerges amid a broader crackdown on Cuban parole holders. In early October, the BIA issued a binding decision raising the bar for securing bond in immigration cases, now requiring sponsors to submit affidavits, proof of income, and verifiable documentation of their relationship with the detainee. The ruling, known as Matter of M-S-V-, is mandatory for all immigration judges nationwide.
Simultaneously, the Supreme Court has agreed to review whether ICE can detain certain immigrants already in the U.S. without a bond hearing, a matter impacting cases like Malagón's.
The situation of Alexis Malagón highlights the uncertainty faced by thousands of Cubans with legal immigration status in the United States. Stay updated on all developments in our U.S. Immigration section.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Immigration Challenges
What is the significance of the Matter of M-S-V- decision?
The Matter of M-S-V- decision by the BIA requires stricter documentation for bond requests in immigration cases, affecting Cuban parole holders by making it more challenging to secure release.
How does detention affect the ability to defend oneself?
Detention can severely limit an individual's ability to gather evidence and coordinate legal defense, as seen in Alexis Malagón's case, where conditions and distance pose significant challenges.
What impact has Alexis Malagón's detention had on his family?
Malagón's detention has resulted in significant personal and financial strain on his family, contributing to the collapse of their business and preventing his wife from visiting him due to work commitments.