A 73-year-old Cuban residing in Lafayette, Louisiana, was taken into custody last Monday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while en route to his job. José Francisco García Rodríguez, who has been living in the United States for 45 years after fleeing Cuba during the 1980 Mariel boatlift, is currently held at an ICE processing center in Pine Prairie, a tiny village in the rural Evangeline Parish in southern Louisiana.
His arrest, which took place near his home, has sparked a wave of support from family and friends. They have taken to social media to call for his release, describing him as a hardworking and exemplary individual. The news was first shared by one of García Rodríguez's stepchildren, who posted on Facebook that his father had been "kidnapped" by ICE agents from a local business.
Three days following the arrest, his stepdaughter, Christian Cooper Riggs, turned to social media to share her stepfather's story and seek assistance. In a video posted on her Facebook profile, Riggs recounted how García Rodríguez arrived in the U.S. over four decades ago with no resources or education and how he worked tirelessly over the years, contributing to the country as a worker and taxpayer without ever relying on Social Security benefits.
"My dad came with nothing, not even knowing English, and he fought for his entire family," Riggs shared. "He fought, made mistakes, and paid for them," she added, emphasizing that despite initial struggles, he managed to build a stable life for his family, working between 40 and 60 hours a week.
However, García Rodríguez was never able to secure U.S. citizenship due to legal issues from years ago, despite attempting to regularize his immigration status for a decade. Riggs explained that despite his efforts, García Rodríguez was never informed that he was on a deportation list. The family believed that once he had served his sentences and fulfilled legal obligations, the matter was resolved. In fact, three years ago, García Rodríguez's attorneys advised him to keep a low profile and continue his everyday life.
Immigration Policies and Their Impact
The situation involving José Francisco García Rodríguez highlights the immigration policies implemented during President Donald Trump's administration, which initially vowed to crack down on illegal immigration, focusing particularly on individuals with criminal records. Although García Rodríguez does not have recent criminal records, his detention underscores the strict application of these policies, affecting not only those committing serious crimes but also individuals like this Cuban, who have lived in the country for years without significant issues.
Riggs, visibly distressed, expressed that the detention of her stepfather, an elderly man with heart health problems taking care of his wife with dementia, is unnecessary and cruel. "This is a problem that needs a scalpel, not a machete," she stated, urging reconsideration of the situation and calling for his release.
In an effort to garner support, the family has urged the community to contact elected officials and demand the release of José Francisco García Rodríguez. "If you want to help, share this video, call, and email our elected officials and tell them you support José Francisco's release," Riggs added, also asking for prayers for the family during this difficult time.
Such incidents are not isolated. Several Lafayette residents have reported ICE agents' presence in various parts of the city in recent days, including areas near shopping centers and businesses catering to the Hispanic community, raising concerns about the tightening of immigration policies in the region.
The case of José Francisco García Rodríguez serves as a reminder of the complexities within the U.S. immigration system and the harsh realities faced by many individuals who, despite living in the country for decades, continue to struggle to regularize their legal status.
Understanding ICE Arrests and Immigration Challenges
Why was José Francisco García Rodríguez detained by ICE?
José Francisco García Rodríguez was detained by ICE due to unresolved legal issues from the past, and his name being on a deportation list, despite his efforts to regularize his status.
What steps can the community take to support García Rodríguez?
The community can support García Rodríguez by sharing his story on social media, contacting elected officials, and expressing their support for his release.
How does García Rodríguez's case reflect broader immigration policies?
His case illustrates the rigorous enforcement of immigration policies that affect not only serious offenders but also long-term residents without recent criminal records.