Belmary Aragonés endured a harrowing eight days, unable to find out the whereabouts of her son, Gustavo D'Meza Aragonés, a 23-year-old Cuban detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in South Florida, as reported by Telemundo 51.
ICE apprehended the young painter on October 9 in South Florida. From October 13 onward, his mother lost all contact; the agency’s official detainee locator showed his name but did not specify the detention center holding him.
"I'm desperate," expressed Belmary Aragonés, who was left without any information about her son's location or health status despite using the official system.
Growing Concerns Over ICE Transparency
Gustavo's situation is not unique among Cuban families in the U.S. Stay updated on detentions, deportations, and immigration rights in our U.S. Immigration section.
It was Telemundo 51’s intervention that secured an update: ICE informed the outlet that Gustavo had been transferred to Larkin Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, for a medical evaluation, describing it as part of the standard care for detainees.
The agency did not clarify the reason for the hospitalization or disclose the young man's health condition.
Legal Complications Arise
Gustavo's attorney, Avelino González, questioned the hospital transfer, noting that his client "was healthy and had no chronic illnesses," making the hospitalization puzzling.
González further highlighted that the situation complicates his client's legal defense: while D'Meza remains hospitalized instead of in a registered immigration detention center, his family faces hurdles in requesting a bond hearing.
The young man arrived in the United States in 2024, applied for permanent residency, and was awaiting a decision when detained. ICE stated that he "did not adjust his immigration status nor leave the U.S. when required" and will remain in custody "as deportation proceedings continue."
Past Legal Troubles
The case has a criminal background: in August, Gustavo was arrested for a domestic violence incident involving a younger sister. González asserted that the charges were later dropped.
His mother mentioned that at one point, her son called her from a private number, only managing to say he was okay without revealing his location or other details.
ICE's Lack of Transparency Under Scrutiny
The case reflects increasing criticisms over ICE's lack of transparency regarding detainees' locations. A federal class action lawsuit filed against ICE in early October by the Southern Poverty Law Center and Americans for Immigrant Justice documents "dehumanizing" conditions at the agency's office in Miramar, Florida: 342 people held in a facility meant for 50 to 56, with food and water shortages, and restrictions on legal calls and visits.
Detentions of Cubans by ICE in Florida reportedly surged by 463% between late 2024 and early 2026, according to data from the lawsuit.
Families seeking to locate detainees can use the Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) at locator.ice.gov/odls, where searches can be done by name, A-number, country, and birthdate. The system may take up to 48 hours to update after a recent detention or transfer, leaving families without information during critical periods, as seen in D'Meza's case.
Understanding the ICE Detention Process
How can families find a loved one detained by ICE?
Families can use the Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) to search for detainees by name, A-number, country, and birthdate. This system is accessible at locator.ice.gov/odls and may take up to 48 hours to update after detention or transfer.
What challenges do families face when a detainee is hospitalized?
When a detainee is hospitalized, families encounter difficulties in legal proceedings, such as requesting bond hearings, because the individual is not in a registered detention center. Additionally, communication and updates on the detainee's condition may be limited.