Elderly Cuban Woman Released After 9 Months in ICE Detention: ‘I Want to Hug My Family’

Julia Benítez Pérez, 79, affectionately called “Grandma” by fellow detainees, was finally released last Thursday from the Eloy Detention Center after spending 9 months separated from her family.

Julia’s release marks another chapter in the family separation stories that have characterized migration policies under the Trump administration, especially for elderly Cuban migrants who face unique obstacles in the U.S. immigration system.

A Story Marked by Tragedy

Julia’s story is deeply marked by a tragic event that occurred in 1991, when her husband, Daniel Cosme Ramos, was murdered by Cuban border guards as he attempted to escape the island by sea, in a case documented as enforced disappearance.

“After publicly reporting what happened, the family claims to have suffered surveillance, harassment, and discrimination in Cuba, elements that are part of their asylum request.”

This historical persecution made Julia’s case particularly complex, where factors like advanced age and traumatic experiences intertwine with current deportation policies.

The Detention System and Elderly Migrants

Julia’s case highlights the specific challenges elderly migrants face in the ICE detention system:

Prolonged family separation: 9 months without physical contact with loved ones
Special medical conditions: Elderly adults require specific healthcare attention
Psychological impact: The stress of detention intensifies with age
Additional legal barriers: The complexity of cases with historical persecution backgrounds

The Context of Mass Deportations

Julia’s release occurs amid escalating deportations under the Trump administration, which has implemented a “maximum pressure” policy toward Cuba and its migrants:

Key data on Cuban deportations in 2026:

5,053 Cubans deported through February 2026
170 criminals deported on the first flight of the year (February 9)
First acceptance by Cuba of deportees with criminal records in decades
Over 300,000 Cubans with I-220A in legal limbo

Julia’s Words After Her Release

Upon being released, Julia expressed her immense joy but also concern for other detainees still waiting:

“I want to hug my family. These have been the hardest 9 months of my life, but I never lost hope.”

Her fellow detainees described her as a maternal figure who provided emotional support to other, younger migrants during her time at Eloy.

Legal and Family Implications

Julia’s release raises several important questions about the current immigration system:

For Cuban families:

How does age affect ICE detention decisions?
What resources do families have with elderly detained members?
What is the role of persecution backgrounds in Cuba?

For the legal system:

Should there be special considerations for elderly detainees?
How does ICE evaluate cases with historical persecution backgrounds?
What precedent does this case set for similar ones?

The Reality of Family Separation

Julia’s case illustrates a broader reality facing thousands of Cuban families:

Mental health impact: Prolonged separation especially affects elderly adults, who may experience cognitive and emotional deterioration more rapidly.

Economic burden: Families must pay for lawyers, visits to detention centers, and other legal process-related expenses.

Legal uncertainty: Many families don’t know how long detention will last or what the real possibilities for reunification are.

Other Recent Releases

Julia’s release is part of a series of similar cases that have captured public attention:

Daniel Alejandro Escobar Rodríguez: Young Cuban released after almost 3 months with I-220A
Alcibiades González and Yannier Vázquez: Cuban couple released thanks to union support
Hospital workers: Cases where the community mobilized to pay bonds

Frequently Asked Questions About ICE Detention

What factors does ICE consider for release?

ICE evaluates flight risk, threat to public safety, cooperation with authorities, family ties, and special medical conditions.

How long can detention last?

There is no established legal limit, but cases like Julia’s demonstrate it can extend for many months, especially for elderly adults with complex cases.

What rights do elderly detainees have?

They have the right to adequate medical care, legal assistance, family communication, and special consideration due to their advanced age.

How can families help?

They can hire specialized lawyers, document medical conditions, mobilize community support, and maintain regular contact with human rights organizations.

Conclusion: A System Under Scrutiny

The release of Julia Benítez Pérez after 9 months of detention underscores the complexities of the current U.S. immigration system, especially for elderly Cuban migrants who carry stories of persecution and trauma.

While families celebrate these releases, the fundamental question remains: is this system fair and humane for people like Julia, who has suffered decades of persecution and now, in her golden years, must navigate a legal maze that separates families and prolongs suffering?

The answer could determine not only the future of thousands of Cubans in similar situations, but also the moral direction of U.S. immigration policies toward one of the most vulnerable communities seeking refuge in this country.

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Cuban Woman, 79, Released After 9 Months in ICE: 'Want to Hug Family'