US Army veteran who once served two tours in Iraq and received a Purple Heart for his injuries in combat was suddenly deported early Friday morning from an immigration detention facility in Florence, Arizona. The removal took place around 4 a.m., leaving his family, supporters, and legal team stunned.
Early-Morning Removal Leaves US Army Veteran Family in Fear
Officials confirmed that he was sent to Nogales, Mexico. However, by Friday evening, his family said they had not been able to contact him and did not know his exact location. They explained that they only had a brief statement from immigration authorities but no personal confirmation. Loved ones described the situation as frightening because they had no way to reach him before or after the deportation.
Volunteers who have been supporting the veteran’s defense team said they were not informed about the deportation ahead of time. They called the sudden transfer “frustrating” because no one on the legal team was given the chance to intervene or even speak to him before he was placed on the transport.
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Family members said the secrecy around the process made the experience extremely stressful. They expected to at least know where he would be taken, but instead they felt left in complete darkness during every step.
A Long Journey from Childhood to Combat Service as a US Army Veteran
The US Army veteran grew up in a family that fled Cuba in the 1980s. They moved to Venezuela first and later came to the United States as asylum seekers, eventually gaining permanent residency.
At 17, he joined the US Army and served two tours in Iraq. He survived an improvised explosive device attack and received a Purple Heart and a Combat Infantry Badge for his service.
During his military service, he applied for US citizenship. His legal team says the application was completed properly, but for unknown reasons, it was never processed.
After returning home, he struggled with post-traumatic stress. He was later convicted of attempted murder after firing a gun at a house party and was sentenced to 52 years in prison. He served 15 years and was released on parole earlier this year.
Upon release, immigration authorities detained him and started deportation proceedings. In September, an immigration judge denied his relief requests, including asylum, and ordered his removal to Venezuela, Cuba, or Mexico. He was ultimately deported to Mexico.
Family Left Without Answers and No Chance to Say Goodbye
The hours after the deportation were filled with fear and confusion for the US Army veteran family.
The family said they were not informed about the timing of his deportation. They also did not know the country to which he would be sent. No one provided a way for them to communicate with him.
According to them, most families facing removal at least know the destination country. Typically, they also have a method to contact their loved one.
But in this case, every detail was kept from them. This left the family feeling overwhelmed and helpless.
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Supporters said the most painful part is that the US Army veteran was deported from the nation he fought for. He nearly died defending it. After growing up in the US, serving in the military, and surviving serious combat injuries, he has now been sent to a country where he has no support network. He has no sense of familiarity there.
Immigration authorities stated only that he was moved to Nogales, Mexico. His family says they still have no direct confirmation from him. They continue to wait for a phone call, a message, or any sign that he is safe.
The case has drawn attention. It raises questions about how the country handles US Army veterans who served in combat and suffered injuries. These veterans believed they were on the path to citizenship but may still face deportation.