Octavio Pérez Rodríguez, a 36-year-old Cuban national, has been held at the Krome Detention Center in Miami for over a month. In a heart-wrenching call to his wife, Midalys López Corrales, he conveyed his desperation: "Titi, I feel like I am dying, the pain is unbearable... you can't imagine what I'm going through," as reported by Telemundo 51.
The severity of his plight has driven him to request deportation back to Cuba, an extreme measure reflecting the harsh conditions he is enduring, according to his wife. Pérez Rodríguez arrived in the United States in 2022 with his wife and two children, crossing the border in search of a better life. While his family secured residency, his immigration status was left unresolved due to a prior deportation in 2019. On February 25, he was unexpectedly detained during a routine immigration appointment.
Midalys has raised concerns about the conditions at Krome, citing that her husband slept on the floor for several days and has not received necessary medical care. "He went there with the hope of resolving his paperwork. He's a hardworking man, renewed his work permit, and did not expect this," she told Telemundo. Meanwhile, at home, the atmosphere is tense, with their young son asking about his father, to which she can only respond that he is working.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has acknowledged the overcrowding issue at its facilities, assuring that measures are being implemented to manage capacity and ensure humane treatment. "Ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in our custody is an absolute priority. Some facilities are experiencing temporary overcrowding due to the recent increase in detainees. We are implementing measures to manage capacity, maintaining our commitment to humane treatment," ICE stated.
Despite recognizing Pérez Rodríguez violated laws by re-entering the U.S. illegally after a prior deportation, his family hopes authorities will reconsider his case to avoid another separation. "I know he made a mistake, but there has to be a solution. Deportation can't be the only answer," his wife concluded.
In March 2025, the U.S. government rescinded the humanitarian "parole" established by the previous administration, affecting over 530,000 migrants from countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This revocation has sparked uncertainty and concern among migrants, who now face potential deportation and the loss of work permits. The Trump administration argued that these programs exceeded federal law limits and stressed the need to bolster border security and limit immigration.
Furthermore, processes for permanent residency for refugees and asylees have been suspended, impacting thousands of immigrants who had already been approved for their applications. Current immigration policies also include cutting federal aid for undocumented immigrants and enforcing mass deportations.
FAQs on Immigration Detention and Deportation
What are the conditions like at the Krome Detention Center?
Reports from detainees and their families indicate overcrowding and insufficient medical care, with some individuals having to sleep on the floor.
Why was Octavio Pérez Rodríguez detained?
He was detained unexpectedly during a routine immigration appointment due to his previous deportation in 2019.
How has the revocation of humanitarian parole affected migrants?
The revocation has led to uncertainty and concern among migrants, as it impacts over 530,000 individuals who now face possible deportation and the loss of work permits.