A Cuban immigrant was suddenly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents outside a Miami federal courthouse Monday. His wife recorded the arrest on video.
Daysis Salvador, a U.S. citizen, screamed, “This is unfair… It’s not fair,” as officers handcuffed her husband, 44-year-old Didie Espinoza, and led him into an elevator.
Espinoza had just attended what was expected to be his final immigration hearing. Federal prosecutors reportedly dismissed his case during the session.
Salvador told CBS Miami that ICE agents acted immediately as Espinoza left the courtroom. She described the arrest as completely unexpected and shocking.
Espinoza arrived in the U.S. from Cuba in May 2022. He requested political asylum at the southern border and later received I-220A parole status.
The parole status prevents him from applying under the Cuban Adjustment Act, which lets Cuban nationals with visas adjust their residency more easily.
Immigration attorney Laura Jimenez, who represented Espinoza, confirmed he submitted his asylum application in September 2022, following diligent preparation on his case.
Jimenez said Espinoza received notice to appear in court for a June 16 hearing. During the session, the government announced it was dismissing his case.
She explained that when a case is dismissed, the immigration court cannot grant asylum. Jimenez has filed an appeal and stated Espinoza should not be deported while it is pending.
Espinoza is currently being held at the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach. His wife continues to record updates and advocate for his release.
Salvador and Espinoza married this June after waiting for his divorce to finalize. She now urges lawmakers to intervene in his case.
“My message is to our legislators, Maria Elvira Salazar, Mario Diaz-Balart, and others, please comply with everything you promised,” Salvador said.
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She emphasized that her husband has not committed any crime and described him as a law-abiding immigrant seeking a free life in the United States.
Salvador continues to call on South Florida’s Cuban American members of Congress to help prevent her husband’s deportation and ensure fair treatment under the law.
