A 41-year-old Cuban man, who according to his wife suffers from uncontrolled diabetes and acute pancreatitis, might soon be deported from Miami to an African nation with which he has no ties, despite his critical health condition.
The individual in question, Noslén Sendra, has been detained since November 2025 and is currently held at the Krome North detention center. His situation was highlighted during a press conference by the Workers Circle group, as reported by the British newspaper The Guardian on Wednesday.
Anisley Cortés, Sendra's wife, revealed that her husband has lost over 48 pounds during his detention and has not received the medication or nutrition he requires, exacerbating his health issues.
"He is very ill and needs proper medical care," Cortés stated, explaining that her husband was hospitalized for several weeks earlier this year.
Initially, Sendra was held at the facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades before being transferred to Krome in April.
According to Cortés, immigration authorities informed her husband that Cuba would not accept him as a deportee and that Mexico had also refused to receive him due to his medical needs.
Faced with this situation, they indicated he would have to be sent to Africa.
"We are left with the uncertainty of not knowing how he is or if we will see him again," Cortés expressed.
Concerns Over Imminent Deportation Flights
Immigration attorney Shalyn Fluharty warned that, according to information from detainees, deportation flights could take place this Thursday and Friday to the Central African Republic and possibly Burundi.
There is no official confirmation that Sendra is among the passengers or what his destination might be.
Fluharty cautioned about the risks these transfers pose to individuals with serious illnesses, particularly since some flights can last up to 24 hours, and deportees remain shackled at the hands, ankles, and waist.
"What happens if you have a heart condition, are at high risk for a stroke, or have diabetes and need regular access to food or insulin?" the attorney questioned.
These concerns arise following a report by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general, published in September, which documented serious deficiencies at Krome North.
During an inspection in May 2025, officials found 1,102 detainees in facilities with a maximum capacity of 882 people, along with 15 vacancies in the medical staff and issues related to food security.
According to The Guardian, the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to inquiries about Sendra's situation after receiving his personal information.
Deportation of Other Cubans to Africa
The threat of deportation comes as the United States continues its policy of removals to third countries. On September 29, the Supreme Court suspended, by a vote of six to three, a judicial decision that restricted these transfers while it examines the legality of the procedures used by the government.
A report by Human Rights Watch, published on October 8, documented that 536 individuals were deported from the United States to African countries other than their own between January 20, 2025, and August 5, 2026. The organization collected testimonies of mistreatment, arbitrary detentions, and difficulties accessing medication.
Among the affected Cubans is Arístides Fernández García, who was deported to the Central African Republic in late July and managed to leave Bangui this Monday, after nearly three months, to embark on a journey to Bolivia.
Fernández reported experiencing health problems during his stay in that country, where other Cubans sent by U.S. immigration authorities remain.
Key Concerns About Deportations from the U.S.
What are the health risks associated with deporting individuals with severe illnesses?
Deporting individuals with severe illnesses poses significant health risks, as long flights can last up to 24 hours with limited access to necessary medical care, food, or medication.
Why might Noslén Sendra be deported to Africa?
Noslén Sendra may face deportation to Africa because both Cuba and Mexico have refused to accept him due to his medical needs, leaving Africa as a potential destination despite no personal ties to the continent.
What deficiencies were found at the Krome North detention center?
An inspection found the Krome North detention center overcrowded, with 1,102 detainees in a facility meant for 882, and reported 15 medical staff vacancies and food security issues.