Eduardo Núñez González, a Cuban national with Spanish citizenship who has resided in the United States for over a decade, was apprehended by federal agents on March 20, right outside his home in North Miami. Since that day, his wife, Vilma Pérez Delgado, has been tirelessly seeking answers regarding the reasons behind his arrest and has yet to reunite with him.
The incident unfolded on a Thursday morning. Eduardo stepped out of his house to take out the trash when several men approached and detained him just steps from his front door. The entire episode was captured by the family's security camera.
"They had him up against the trash bin, without reading him his rights, without asking for papers," Vilma reported to local media. At 7:30 a.m., she was shocked when agents wearing FBI jackets knocked on her door. The agents' refusal to clarify the reasons for Eduardo's detention has left the family in deep uncertainty.
"I asked if I could say goodbye to him. They said no, that he was already taken away," Vilma recounted, her voice breaking with emotion.
Ten Years in the U.S. and a Challenging Immigration Journey
Vilma and Eduardo moved to the United States over 10 years ago from Spain. Although both are Cuban nationals with Spanish citizenship, only Vilma was able to regularize her immigration status under the Cuban Adjustment Act, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen. Eduardo's case was different.
For years, Eduardo has been renewing work permits while striving for citizenship. However, his process has been fraught with document losses, file transfers, and administrative delays. "He and I have the same circumstances, yet I'm an American citizen," Vilma pointed out.
Vilma explained, "The first response took seven years. The file was lost, sent elsewhere, and during the interview, it couldn't be found." In 2023, they reapplied, but complications arose again. In May 2024, immigration authorities requested updated documents and a list of requirements, including a 2017 speeding ticket in Naples.
"The only thing he's done is speed, like everyone else. He got a ticket, and we paid it," his wife stated.
Detention Conditions and Community Support
After his arrest, Eduardo was held at the Krome Detention Center for at least five days. Vilma reported that he was there without a bed, adequate food, or water, in concerning conditions. "I'm alarmed because my husband isn't the only one in such conditions. There are sick people there," she expressed tearfully.
Later, Eduardo was transferred to the Broward Transitional Center, yet the family still lacks knowledge of the specific charges against him.
Vilma has gathered over 500 signatures in support of her husband, hoping to raise awareness of his situation. She has also received backing from civil rights advocates like attorney Katie Blankenship, who highlighted a troubling pattern.
"We're seeing people detained for minor traffic violations or even with no interaction with an officer," Blankenship noted. She also criticized the overcrowded conditions at Krome, where detainees "sleep on the floor, in cramped spaces, without bathrooms. It's a human rights violation."
Blankenship advised families to be informed about their rights: "Unless accompanied by a judicial warrant, ICE agents can't force you to open the door or answer questions. Families should take safety precautions."
Fighting for Answers
Vilma insists that her husband is a law-abiding man with no criminal record in either Cuba or the United States. "He has no offenses anywhere," she affirmed. "All he's done is speed a bit, and he paid the fine. That's it."
The family eagerly awaits a clear response from authorities. Meanwhile, Vilma continues to fight with every resource at her disposal. "I'm his wife; they should give me an explanation," she demands.
Frequently Asked Questions About ICE Detentions
What can families do if ICE agents come to their home?
Families should be aware of their rights. Unless ICE agents have a judicial warrant, residents are not obligated to open the door or respond to questions. It is advisable to take safety precautions and seek legal guidance.
What are the conditions like in detention centers such as Krome?
Detention centers like Krome have been criticized for being overcrowded, with detainees often sleeping on the floor in cramped conditions without adequate access to basic facilities, which has raised concerns about human rights violations.
How can community support help in cases of immigration detention?
Community support can raise awareness of individual cases and put pressure on authorities to address injustices. Actions such as gathering signatures and engaging civil rights advocates can bring attention and potentially change to the situation.