Leidys Barrabi, a 25-year-old Cuban mother who built a beauty salon from the ground up in Miami, shared on Instagram this Thursday that she has received a deportation order. She described the news as shocking after dedicating four years of hard work to her life in the United States.
"I received a deportation order. I still can't believe this news. I'm a 25-year-old Cuban mother who arrived in this country four years ago, full of dreams and determination," Barrabi stated in the video, which garnered over 757,000 views, 49,000 likes, and 3,200 comments in less than 24 hours.
In the brief video, the entrepreneur highlighted what is at stake. "Today, after years of sacrifice, building my business from scratch, establishing a successful salon here in Miami, and creating a stable life for my daughter and family, I received this news," she expressed.
Despite the uncertainty, Barrabi made it clear she isn't backing down: "I continue to believe that God has control over my life, and I will fight harder than ever. There is something greater than my fears—the desire to move forward and build a better future for my daughter and my family."
Her post sparked a flood of supportive messages. "They may have given you a deportation order, but God will give you victory and permanence. The decision is his, do not fear, he is already fighting your battle, trust," wrote one follower.
Several followers urged her to appeal the decision: "Appeal! Don't give up! You are amazing!" wrote one user. Another offered perspective: "Your shine does not depend on a country, it depends on you."
Understanding Deportation Orders
Barrabi's situation arises as Miami becomes a major hotspot for immigration arrests, with a 463% increase in detentions of Cubans between late 2024 and early 2026.
A deportation order isn't necessarily final. Immigrants have the right to present their case to the Board of Immigration Appeals within 30 days, although the Department of Justice proposed in February 2026 to reduce this period to 10 days.
It's crucial to know that filing an appeal doesn't automatically halt deportation. A motion to stay the deportation must also be filed.
Florida provides immigrants in federal custody the option to self-deport with a free plane ticket, as an alternative to prolonged detention.
The situation for Cubans is particularly challenging. Over 42,000 active deportation orders have been confirmed in the United States, and Cuba refuses to accept individuals with criminal records or those who left the country before 2017, often leading to deportations to third countries like Mexico.
In the first five months of 2026, approximately 612 Cubans were deported from the United States in 18 separate operations, according to migration monitoring data.
FAQs on Deportation and Immigration Appeals
What should I do if I receive a deportation order?
If you receive a deportation order, it is critical to act quickly. You have the right to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals within 30 days, though this period may be reduced to 10 days in the future. Additionally, you must file a motion to stay the deportation to prevent immediate removal.
Can a deportation order be overturned?
Yes, a deportation order can potentially be overturned through the appeals process. It is essential to present a strong case to the Board of Immigration Appeals, demonstrating why you believe the order should be reversed.
What options do immigrants in custody have in Florida?
Immigrants in federal custody in Florida have the option to voluntarily self-deport using a free plane ticket, instead of facing prolonged detention. This choice provides an alternative for those who prefer to leave the country on their own terms.