Vivian Limonta Reyes, a Cuban mother of a two-year-old child, was deported back to the island this Thursday alongside 47 other individuals. Limonta, who was under an I-220B order, expressed her devastation in an interview with journalist Javier Díaz from Univision while still in Havana, not yet having reached her home in Holguín.
"I'm utterly devastated. I'm at a loss for words," said Vivian. "I never thought the U.S. government would separate me from my child and deport me," she added, still grappling with the reality of her situation.
"Family separation should not exist. This country has always been known for protecting family unity," lamented her husband, Osmani Pérez, who is now left to care for their young son alone. "I don't understand how they didn't consider that Vivian is also married to a U.S. citizen. I've been in this country for 31 years, I'm a U.S. citizen, and I'm very disappointed," Pérez expressed.
Vivian's husband attempted to halt her deportation through the office of Congressman Carlos Giménez, which issued a statement regretting the situation. "My congressional office fights tirelessly for the rights of all our residents despite the poor decisions of this administration, including admitting Castro regime enforcers into our country while punishing victims like in this case," the statement read.
Vivian described the journey back to the island, noting they were handcuffed during the trip. Upon arrival in Havana, some officials mocked them, saying, "See, that country is bad, and I'm glad this happened to you. Look how they deported you and treated you like dogs."
Detention and Deportation
On July 15, Vivian was detained during her annual immigration appointment at the ICE office in Miramar. She had attended three similar appointments in previous years, but this time she wasn't allowed to leave. She called her husband to inform him she was being detained for deportation.
"I don't see myself in Cuba at all, nor do I see myself away from my son. It's not fair that a two-year-old child with ADHD is left alone. He needs speech therapy and it's not fair to separate him from his mother," she said in a statement to Telemundo 51 in July from the Pompano Beach Detention Center in Broward County.
"Don't separate families. It's not fair to separate families. I don't think I'm a danger to society to be here," she stated at the time.
When her case became public last month, it was revealed that Vivian had been part of the MPP immigration program, initiated by the U.S. in 2019. She had trouble attending a court date and was automatically given a deportation in absentia. After four years, the I-220B document has finally taken its toll.
Understanding the Impact of Family Separation and Deportation
The case of Vivian Limonta Reyes raises several important questions about immigration policies, family separation, and the struggle faced by many immigrants. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is an I-220B order?
An I-220B order is a notice to appear for deportation proceedings issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Why was Vivian Limonta Reyes deported?
Vivian Limonta Reyes was deported due to her being under an I-220B order and her participation in the MPP immigration program, which led to a deportation in absentia after missing a court date.
What is the MPP immigration program?
The MPP (Migrant Protection Protocols) is a U.S. government program initiated in 2019 that requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed in the United States.
How does family separation impact children with special needs?
Family separation can have severe emotional and developmental impacts on children, especially those with special needs like ADHD, who may require consistent care and therapy that a single parent might struggle to provide alone.