Olga Díaz, an 84-year-old Cuban woman who arrived in Florida last week on a boat with about 20 others, including her daughter, might be deported back to Cuba, causing significant distress for her family.
The group arrived on August 22 at 11:00 p.m. in Marathon, in the Florida Keys, and was intercepted by the U.S. Border Patrol. The elderly woman was released the next day, but her daughter, Nilda, remains detained at the Broward Detention Center for migrants.
“I was at home when I received a call from an unknown number, and when I answered, it was my mom telling me, ‘Daddy, I’m here.’ I still can’t believe it,” said Michael Hernández, the grandson of Olga and son of Nilda Cordero, in recent statements to Telemundo 51.
Both women face a deportation order, a source of significant anxiety for the family. What initially brought joy and surprise has now turned into a deep concern over the potential deportation of both mother and daughter.
Desperation and Hope
“When my sister took the risk of bringing her across the sea, it was out of desperation,” said Dainay Cordero, one of Olga’s daughters. Although Olga is experiencing the excitement of her first days in the United States, being pampered by family and friends, she admits to missing her daughter and feeling sad when the house is quiet.
The daughter who has taken in the elderly woman says that Olga cries frequently for the daughter who remains detained. “She doesn’t recognize me; she cries all the time,” the woman said.
Eduardo Soto, an immigration attorney, has taken on the case of Olga and her daughter Nilda. “We are doing everything possible to ensure that Olga and her daughter can stay in the country. It’s a complicated case, but we are hopeful that justice will prevail,” he stated.
Soto hopes the authorities will set aside the expedited deportation order to allow both women the chance to demonstrate their credible fear of returning to Cuba. Olga, who also has a pending deportation order, must report to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices.
The uncertainty about their future weighs heavily on the family, who fear that Olga might be detained at her next meeting with immigration authorities. Meanwhile, Olga Díaz, a coffee enthusiast, tries to enjoy her new life as much as possible, holding on to the hope that the family will soon be reunited and that their situation will not worsen.
FAQs about Cuban Deportation Cases
Given the complex nature of deportation cases involving Cuban nationals, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to better understand the situation.
What led to Olga Díaz and her daughter's deportation risk?
Olga Díaz and her daughter Nilda arrived in Florida by boat with a group of migrants. They were intercepted by the U.S. Border Patrol, leading to their current risk of deportation back to Cuba.
Who is handling Olga and Nilda's legal case?
Immigration attorney Eduardo Soto is representing Olga and Nilda, working tirelessly to ensure they can remain in the United States.
What are the chances of Olga and her daughter staying in the U.S.?
While the case is complicated, attorney Eduardo Soto remains hopeful that justice will prevail and that the women will be allowed to stay in the country by demonstrating their credible fear of returning to Cuba.