The tale of Josué Rodríguez Pérez, a Cuban who spent over 30 years in the United States and was allegedly linked to the Love Bridges project, took an unexpected turn several months ago. After being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), he was deported to Mexico, a country where he has no family, no connections, and no clear future.
Currently residing in Cancun with other deported Cubans, Rodríguez struggles to adjust while bearing the profound fear of not being able to say goodbye to his brother, who is terminally ill with cancer in Florida, according to Wyofile, with the story also reported by Oilcity.news.
Rodríguez had rebuilt his life in the U.S. following a period marked by loss, addiction, and a fraud conviction that cost him his residency. After completing his sentence in 2012, he pursued education, employment, invested in his own truck, paid taxes, and formed a new family. For eight years, he held a valid work permit and led a stable life in Florida.
Everything changed this past July when he attended a routine appointment to renew his work permit. Without warning, ICE detained him, initiating a series of transfers between detention centers in Florida, Texas, Colorado, and Wyoming.
He spent 40 days in the Natrona County jail, where he reportedly lived in extreme isolation, contemplating a hunger strike. He never saw a judge, never received clarity about his future, and ultimately signed a deportation agreement out of fear of spending more months behind bars.
In September, he was put on a bus to El Paso and, under escort, handed over to Mexico. He arrived without a passport, with no identification, and only a document permitting him a ten-day stay in the country.
Since then, Rodríguez has been trying to survive in an unfamiliar city, battling exorbitant prices, scams, and constant uncertainty regarding his immigration status. His truck, his sole asset in the U.S., was repossessed by the bank.
His wife was able to visit him briefly; however, moving to Mexico permanently is not a feasible option for her. His daughters remain in Florida.
The most painful blow, however, is his brother's health, suffering from an aggressive cancer that has rapidly spread. "Every day, I feel sad, it's hard to think," Rodríguez admitted. "I fear never seeing him alive again."
Amid the uncertainty in Cancun, Rodríguez finds solace in the camaraderie of fellow Cubans in similar circumstances. They cook together, support each other, and offer mutual care, though it does not erase the feeling of uprootedness.
"We worked, paid taxes, contributed. We were doing well," he recalls. He hopes for a future president who will reverse these policies and give him the chance to reunite with his loved ones one day.
On social media, his situation was also highlighted by influencer Alexander Otaola, who claimed Rodríguez was a supporter of the Love Bridges project and a sympathizer of Carlos Lazo, and publicly celebrated his detention.
Understanding Josué Rodríguez Pérez's Immigration Struggles
Why was Josué Rodríguez Pérez deported to Mexico?
Josué Rodríguez Pérez was deported to Mexico after being detained by ICE, despite having no ties to the country. His detention began following a routine appointment to renew his work permit.
What challenges is Rodríguez facing in Mexico?
In Mexico, Rodríguez is dealing with the lack of identification, potential scams, high costs of living, and the uncertainty of his immigration status. His main asset, a truck, was repossessed in the U.S., leaving him with limited resources.
How is Rodríguez coping with his brother's illness?
Rodríguez is deeply affected by his brother's terminal cancer diagnosis in Florida. The fear of not being able to see him again weighs heavily on him, adding to the emotional burden of his current situation.