From her home in southern Florida, Dayana Cosme Benítez strives to remain strong during her conversations with her mother.
On the other end of the call is Julia Benítez Pérez, a 79-year-old Cuban woman who has been held at an immigration facility in Arizona for nine months. Her family reports that she is showing signs of senile dementia.
"As long as I have strength, I will continue to give her hope. I can't let her feel my sadness because if she does, she will fall apart," Dayana shared in an emotionally charged interview with Telemundo 51 filled with anguish and helplessness.
Journey from Cuba: Seeking Political Asylum
Julia left Cuba with the aim of seeking political asylum in the United States, after enduring years of persecution according to her family. However, her arrival in the country resulted in detention, leading to a decline in both her physical and mental health.
"We thought they would be flexible," Dayana stated, explaining that her mother intended to follow a formal process to request protection.
Nevertheless, after the CBP One program was terminated in May 2025, Julia entered the U.S. through the Lukeville Port of Entry in Arizona.
"She was accompanied across the border. Of course, she didn't know the way," her daughter recounted to the news outlet.
Challenges in the Immigration Process
The family hoped that due to her advanced age and health issues, Julia might face her immigration proceedings freely alongside her daughter in Florida.
"We believed there would be flexibility, and that the process could even occur while she was with me," Dayana lamented.
However, an immigration judge denied her a bond hearing, citing mandatory detention after her unauthorized entry.
This interpretation was reportedly altered during the Donald Trump administration, reducing leniency in granting parole in specific circumstances.
Cognitive Decline and Health Concerns
One of the family's greatest concerns is Julia's cognitive state. Her daughter noted that medical reports from Cuba indicate signs of senile dementia.
During phone calls, the elderly woman sometimes speaks as if she is still in Cuba, occasionally not comprehending her current location.
The family has also voiced concerns about other health issues she faces while detained. Dayana has unsuccessfully tried to secure a bond for her mother to defend her case from freedom, citing her age and medical condition.
In the detention facility, Julia is fondly referred to by others as "the grandmother."
Political Attention and ICE's Response
The case has drawn the attention of Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, who recently visited the detention center and met with the elderly woman.
"It was heartbreaking because, as we were leaving, she thought we were there to take her home. I can't imagine what her family is going through, unable to visit her here," the congresswoman expressed.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Julia was arrested on May 8, 2025, near Lukeville, Arizona, after illegally crossing the border, and was taken into custody on May 10.
In a statement to Telemundo, the agency stated:
"It is a standard practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment an illegal alien is taken into ICE custody. This includes medical, dental, and mental health assessments within the first 12 hours of arrival at each detention facility, a complete health evaluation within 14 days of being detained or arriving at a facility, as well as 24-hour access to medical appointments and emergency care."
ICE added that Julia "is no exception" to the medical care detainees receive.
Background and Family History
Before Telemundo 51's coverage, the Arizona Daily Star revealed the case, reporting that Julia is detained in the Eloy Detention Center.
In that report, her daughter explained that when Julia surrendered to authorities, she only occasionally experienced memory lapses, but after months in custody, she no longer clearly remembers her location.
"Most of the time, she simply asks when she will be released," Dayana told the American media outlet.
The newspaper also noted that the elderly woman now spends significant time in a wheelchair, which she did not need prior to her detention, with other detainees assisting her in moving around and connecting with her family via video calls.
Julia's story dates back to 1991 when her husband, Daniel Cosme Ramos, was killed by Cuban border guards while attempting to flee the island by sea, a case documented as forced disappearance.
After publicly denouncing the incident, the family claims they faced surveillance, harassment, and discrimination in Cuba, factors central to their asylum request.
As the immigration process unfolds, Dayana endeavors to maintain her composure for her mother.
Each call ends with the same silent struggle: not letting sadness seep into her voice. Because, as she insists from southern Florida, if she breaks, her mother will too.
FAQs on Julia Benítez Pérez's Case
What led to Julia Benítez Pérez's detention in Arizona?
Julia Benítez Pérez was detained after entering the U.S. through the Lukeville Port of Entry in Arizona, following the cancellation of the CBP One program in May 2025. She sought political asylum due to persecution in Cuba but was detained upon arrival.
Why was Julia Benítez Pérez denied a bond hearing?
An immigration judge denied Julia a bond hearing, citing mandatory detention due to her unauthorized entry into the U.S. This interpretation was reinforced during the Trump administration, limiting discretion in granting parole in certain cases.
What is the current health condition of Julia Benítez Pérez?
Julia Benítez Pérez is experiencing a decline in both physical and mental health, with signs of senile dementia. Her condition has worsened during her months in detention, according to her family and medical reports from Cuba.